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Data set notes

European Health for All database

Indicators: 565

Updated: 18 October 2024

Contact: Data and Digital Health Unit (DDH)

The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:

• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)

• FTE: full-time equivalent

• PP: physical persons

• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.

More information: http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/databases/european-health-for-all-database-hfa-db

Indicator notes

Life expectancy at birth (years)
Indicator code: E060101.T

Calculated by WHO/EURO for all countries which report detailed mortality data to WHO, using Wiesler's method. Age disaggregation of mortality data: 0, 1-4, 5-9,10-14, etc, 80-84, 85+.

Unfortunately, some countries are not able to ensure complete registration of all death cases and births. Therefore, life expectancy calculated using incomplete mortality data is higher than it actualy is. In some cases under-registration of deaths may reach 20% and this has to be kept in mind when making comparisons between countries. Particularly high levels of mortality under-registration are observed in countries which were affected by armed conflicts during 1990's, e.g. Georgia, Albania, Tajikistan and some other countries of former USSR and ex-Yugoslavia . In case of Georgia this problem is further aggravated by missing sufficiently accurate population estimates used as denominator._

Country/Area notes

Albania

Life expectancy is much higher than in reality due to the under-registration of death cases.
The sharp increase in 2001 is caused by the sharp change in population age structure based on the
2001 population census.

Armenia

January 2003: The 2002 population is based on the population census and is significantly lower than
estimates for previous years. This also effects the calculation of all rates and other indicators,
like life expectancy which show sharp changes between 2001 and 2002, purely because of the change in
the denominator. Indicators prior to 2002 will be recalculated if the retroactvely adjusted
population figures are received from the Central Statistical Office of Armenia.

Georgia

Data from 1995 onwards are estimates of the State Statisitcs Department made to adjust for
under-registration of deaths. They may be inconsistent with some other mortality-related indicators
which have been calculated using reported data on registered deaths.

Türkiye

Source: TURKSTAT (Turkish Statistical Institute).
Data are based on mid-year estimations of national population projections and indirect estimations.

General notes

Understanding Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth is a critical demographic indicator that measures the average number of years a newborn is expected to live under current mortality levels. This statistic is not merely a measure of health or longevity but a reflection of the socio-economic conditions prevailing in a country. It helps in understanding the effectiveness of healthcare systems, the impact of policies, and the overall quality of life. By analyzing trends in life expectancy, policymakers and researchers can identify health disparities and target interventions to improve population health outcomes effectively.

How is Life Expectancy at Birth Calculated?

The calculation of life expectancy at birth involves a detailed statistical analysis based on the age-specific mortality rates of a population. Actuaries or statisticians use a life table, a standard demographic tool, to compute the probability of surviving at each age. The fundamental formula involves the aggregation of survival probabilities at different ages, providing an overall expectancy of life at birth. This calculation requires accurate and comprehensive data on births and deaths, and it is sensitive to variations in mortality trends over time. Understanding these nuances is crucial for interpreting changes in life expectancy accurately.

The Significance of Life Expectancy at Birth

Life expectancy at birth is more than a statistical figure; it is a vital measure of a nation's development. Governments and health organizations use this indicator to gauge the health status of their populations and to prioritize healthcare objectives. For instance, a rising life expectancy can indicate improvements in healthcare access, disease prevention, and socio-economic conditions. Conversely, stagnation or decline may signal underlying health crises or inequities that require urgent attention. Thus, this metric serves as a cornerstone for strategic health planning and resource allocation, aiming to enhance the well-being of citizens.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Birth

While life expectancy at birth is a valuable indicator, it comes with its set of strengths and limitations that influence its utility and interpretation.

Strengths

One of the primary strengths of life expectancy at birth is its ability to provide a snapshot of a population's health and longevity, offering a longitudinal perspective that helps track progress over time. It is universally recognized and comparable across different geographical and temporal contexts, making it an essential tool for international health comparisons and for monitoring public health goals, such as those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Limitations

However, life expectancy at birth also has limitations. It is an average measure that does not account for the distribution of ages at death within a population, potentially masking disparities in health outcomes among different socio-economic or ethnic groups. Additionally, it is influenced by the accuracy of mortality data, which can vary significantly between regions and over time, especially in countries with less developed statistical systems. Moreover, life expectancy does not provide insights into the quality of life or the health conditions experienced by individuals throughout their lives.

In conclusion, while life expectancy at birth is a powerful tool for assessing and comparing the health and longevity of populations, it must be interpreted with an understanding of its broader context and limitations. By complementing this indicator with other health metrics and qualitative assessments, policymakers and health professionals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the health challenges and successes within their jurisdictions.