Life expectancy has always been a significant measure of a nation’s progress and the overall well-being of its citizens. In recent years, the European Union (EU) has witnessed an interesting shift in its life expectancy figures. We analysed some recent trends in life expectancy within the EU, highlighting the gender disparities that exist and providing a closer look at some of the regions with the highest life expectancies.
The Decline in Life Expectancy:
Over the last decade, the EU experienced a consistent rise in life expectancy, reaching a peak of 81.3 years in 2019. However, the years 2020 and 2021 witnessed a decline in life expectancy, with 2021 recording an overall figure of 80.1 years. This decrease raises questions and necessitates explorations into the factors leading to this phenomenon.
Gender Disparities in Life Expectancy:
One notable aspect of the EU’s life expectancy data is the considerable gender gap. In 2021, the average life expectancy for women was 82.9 years, whereas men averaged 77.2 years, resulting in a gap of 5.7 years. This pattern holds true across all 242 NUTS 2 (Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics) regions where data is available.
Regional Variations:
The gender gap in life expectancy varies across different regions within the EU. Latvia, for instance, records the largest gap with women expected to live 9.8 years longer than men. On the other end of the spectrum, the French outermost region of Mayotte showcases the smallest gender gap, with women living 2.3 years longer than men.
Regions with High Life Expectancy for Women:
When looking at regions with the highest life expectancy at birth for women, Spain stands out. The Spanish capital region of Comunidad de Madrid takes the lead, boasting an impressive figure of 88.2 years. Additionally, five other regions in Spain, including Comunidad Foral de Navarra, Castilla y León, Cantabria, Galicia, and País Vasco, follow closely with life expectancies ranging from 87.0 to 87.6 years. Outside of Spain, Rhône-Alpes in France and Provincia Autonoma di Trento in Italy report figures of 86.7 years.
Regions with High Life Expectancy for Men:
In terms of men’s life expectancy, Åland, an autonomous island region belonging to Finland, takes the top spot with 82.8 years. Spain once again demonstrates its favorable figures, with Comunidad de Madrid and Comunidad Foral de Navarra reporting life expectancies of 82.2 and 81.9 years, respectively. In Sweden, the regions of Stockholm and Småland med öarna closely trail with figures of 82.1 and 81.9 years.
Expanding the Scope:
If you’re interested in exploring more population statistics within the EU, Eurostat offers comprehensive resources. Visit their dedicated section on “Regions in Europe – 2023 interactive edition” and the “Eurostat regional yearbook – 2023 edition” for detailed insights. You can also access the Statistical Atlas’s interactive maps to visualize the data.
Further Information:
To delve deeper into the demography of Europe and gain a better understanding of population dynamics, the “Demography of Europe publication” is a valuable resource. Additionally, Eurostat provides a “Statistics 4 Beginners” article on population, as well as thematic sections on regions and cities, and population and demography. For specific data inquiries, please visit the contact page for further assistance.
Monitoring trends in life expectancy is essential for policymakers and researchers alike. While recent data shows a decline in life expectancy within the EU, it remains crucial to understand the varying factors influencing these changes. Addressing gender disparities and noting regional variations is essential for implementing effective policies that facilitate healthy aging and improve the overall well-being of the population.
Market Capital Research 