Determination of factors affecting life expectancy at birth and at age 65

Abstract

Aim: Life expectancy is used to measure the overall health status of the population and is one of the most important indicators of the health and social welfare. The most commonly used measures of life expectancy are life expectancy at birth and at age 65. The aim of this study is to determine the factors affecting life expectancy of men and women at birth and at age 65.

Methods: In this context, 34 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) member countries’ life expectancies at birth and at age 65 in 2013 and the related variables were used. The variables were selected using literature reviews and health-related statistical data for OECD countries. They are grouped as economic, demographic, health resources, health service utilization, perceived health status and urbanization. Regression analysis was used to analyze the effect of each variable in life expectancy of both genders.

Results: The most important variable affecting life expectancy at birth was infant mortality rate in both genders. The per capita health expenditure and health services utilization level were the most important variable affecting life expectancy at age 65.

Conclusion: The identification of the factors affecting life expectancy is expected to contribute to the planning of future health resources and services.