Work

Differences in healthy life expectancy between older migrants and non-migrants in three European countries over time

Year: 2017

Type: article

Abstract: We analysed differences in healthy life expectancy at age 50 (HLE 50 ) between migrants and non-migrants in Belgium , the Netherlands, and England and Wales, and their trends over time between 2001 and 2011 in the latter two countries. Population, mortality and health data were derived from registers, census or surveys. HLE 50 and the share of remaining healthy life years were calculated for non-migrants, western and non-western migrants by sex. We applied decomposition techniques to answer whether differences in HLE 50 between origin groups and changes in HLE 50 over time were attributable to either differences in mortality or health. In all three countries, older (non-western) migrants could expect to live less years in good health than older non-migrants. Differences in HLE 50 between migrants and non-migrants diminished over time in the Netherlands, but they increased in England and Wales. General health, rather than mortality, mainly explained (trends in) inequalities in healthy life expectancy between migrants and non-migrants. Interventions aimed at reducing the health and mortality inequalities between older migrants and non-migrants should focus on prevention, and target especially non-western migrants.

Source: International Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-0949-6

Authors: Matias Reus-Pons, Eva U. B. Kibele, Fanny Janssen

Institutions: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, University of Groningen, Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute

Language: English

Topic: Insurance, Mortality, Demography, Risk Management

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,775