Work

(Un-) healthy ageing: Geographic inequalities in disability-free life expectancy in England and Wales

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Health expectancies are an indicator of healthy ageing that reflect quantity and quality of life. Using limiting long term illness and mortality prevalence, we calculate disability-free life expectancy for small areas in England and Wales between 1991 and 2011 for males and females aged 50-74, the life stage when people may be changing their occupation from main career to retirement or alternative work activities. We find that inequalities in disability-free life expectancy are deeply entrenched, including former coalfield and ex-industrial areas and that areas of persistent (dis-) advantage, worsening or improving deprivation have health change in line with deprivation change. A mixed health picture for rural and coastal areas requires further investigation as do the demographic processes which underpin these area level health differences.

Source: Health & Place

DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102820

Authors: Paul Norman, Dan Exeter, Nicola Shelton, Jenny Head, Emily Murray

Institutions: University of Leeds, University of Auckland, University College London

Language: English

Topic: Health disparities and outcomes

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,070