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Inequality in life expectancies across Europe and the US

Author

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  • Radim Boháček
  • Jesús Bueren
  • Laura Crespo
  • Pedro Mira
  • Josep Pijoan‐Mas

Abstract

We use harmonized household panel data from Europe and the US and a three‐state survival model to provide comparable measurements of education and gender inequalities in total, healthy, and unhealthy life expectancies at age 50. Common across countries, the education advantage in total life expectancy is larger for males but the education advantage in (fewer) unhealthy years is larger for females. Counterfactual decompositions show that these results arise because the education advantage in conditional survival rates is relatively more important for males, while the education advantage in better health transitions is relatively more important for females. Across countries, the US stands out with the largest education gradient in healthy life expectancy.

Suggested Citation

  • Radim Boháček & Jesús Bueren & Laura Crespo & Pedro Mira & Josep Pijoan‐Mas, 2021. "Inequality in life expectancies across Europe and the US," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 30(8), pages 1871-1885, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:hlthec:v:30:y:2021:i:8:p:1871-1885
    DOI: 10.1002/hec.4284
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