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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), males
Indicator code: E060101.M This indicator shares the definition with the parent indicator \"Life expectancy at birth (years)\".

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

What is Life Expectancy at Birth (Years), Males?

Life expectancy at birth for males is a critical demographic indicator that measures the average number of years a newborn male infant is expected to live under current mortality levels. This statistic is not merely a reflection of healthcare quality but also encapsulates the impact of societal, economic, and environmental factors on male health across different regions and countries. It serves as a fundamental measure for assessing public health and is often used to guide policy decisions, healthcare provisioning, and resource allocation. By understanding the trends and disparities in male life expectancy, stakeholders can better address the underlying causes of health inequalities and improve the overall well-being of the male population.

Importance of Life Expectancy at Birth (Years), Males

Understanding the life expectancy of males at birth is crucial for numerous aspects of societal development and planning. Governments and health organizations use this data to design effective health strategies, optimize resource allocation, and anticipate future healthcare needs. It also helps in identifying health disparities between different demographic groups and regions, prompting targeted interventions. For researchers and policymakers, male life expectancy is a valuable indicator of overall male health and vitality, influencing decisions from local public health initiatives to international health policies aimed at improving the quality of life and reducing gender-based health disparities.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Birth (Years), Males

While life expectancy at birth for males is a powerful tool for demographic and health analysis, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that must be considered.

Strengths

One of the primary strengths of this metric is its ability to provide a snapshot of the health status and longevity of the male population, offering insights into the effectiveness of public health policies and medical advancements. It is a standardized measure, making it possible to compare across different countries and time periods, which is invaluable for global health assessments and international collaborations. Additionally, life expectancy figures are instrumental in planning and forecasting in sectors like insurance, pensions, and social services, where understanding longevity is crucial.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at birth for males also faces several challenges. The accuracy of this measure heavily depends on the quality of mortality data, which can vary significantly between regions and over time. In countries with inadequate health surveillance and data collection systems, life expectancy figures may not fully capture the real health scenarios. Moreover, life expectancy does not account for the quality of life or the distribution of health states within the lifespan, potentially overlooking significant health inequalities. Additionally, it is a retrospective measure, based on current mortality patterns, and may not accurately predict future changes in health trends or medical technology advancements.