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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 age 15 (years)
Indicator code: E060202.T 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

Understanding Life Expectancy at Age 15

Life expectancy at age 15 is a demographic indicator that measures the average number of years a 15-year-old can expect to live, assuming that current mortality rates remain constant throughout their lifetime. This statistic is crucial for understanding the health and longevity of a population beyond the challenges of early childhood. It provides insights into the potential lifespan of adolescents entering their most productive years, highlighting the effects of public health policies, healthcare quality, and socio-economic factors on youth and young adults.

The Significance of Life Expectancy at Age 15

Life expectancy at age 15 is more than a mere statistic; it is a vital measure that influences national policies and economic planning. Governments utilize this data to tailor educational programs, healthcare services, and employment policies that will support a robust, healthy workforce in the future. Additionally, this metric helps public health officials monitor and respond to the effectiveness of adolescent health programs, such as those aimed at reducing accidents, violence, and chronic health conditions that could impact this demographic.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Age 15

While life expectancy at age 15 is a valuable indicator, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that affect its application and interpretation.

Strengths

This measure provides a focused insight into the health trajectory of individuals entering a critical phase of personal and professional development. It helps isolate the effects of adolescent and adult health interventions from those aimed at infants and children. For policymakers and health professionals, it offers a clear benchmark to gauge the success of health strategies and initiatives targeting this age group. Furthermore, it allows for international comparisons, offering a global perspective on adolescent health.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at age 15 assumes that current mortality rates do not change, which may not hold true given rapid shifts in health policies, environmental conditions, and medical advancements. Additionally, this measure does not account for the quality of life or the years lived with disability or disease, which can provide a skewed perception of actual living conditions. In regions with inadequate data collection on mortality rates, the estimates may be unreliable or inaccurate, limiting their usefulness for precise policy formulation.

In conclusion, while life expectancy at age 15 is an essential indicator for assessing adolescent health and predicting future public health needs, it must be interpreted with an understanding of its broader context and inherent limitations. By doing so, stakeholders can better utilize this data to foster environments that support the thriving of young populations globally.