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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 45 (years)
Indicator code: E060203.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 45

Life expectancy at age 45 is a demographic indicator that provides insights into the average number of years a person who has reached the age of 45 is expected to live, under current mortality conditions. This statistic is crucial for understanding the health and longevity of a population, offering a glimpse into the effectiveness of healthcare systems and the impact of lifestyle choices made by individuals over the decades. It serves as a significant marker for policymakers and health professionals to gauge the success of public health initiatives and to plan for future healthcare needs.

How is Life Expectancy at Age 45 Calculated?

The calculation of life expectancy at age 45 involves analyzing age-specific death rates obtained from statistical data. Actuaries and demographers use life tables, which represent mortality data across different ages, to estimate the probability of surviving any given year of age. Specifically, the life expectancy at age 45 is calculated by summing the probabilities of surviving each subsequent year and then averaging these sums with the total population at age 45. This method provides a clear picture of how many more years, on average, a person who has reached age 45 is expected to live.

The Importance of Life Expectancy at Age 45

Understanding life expectancy at age 45 is vital for several reasons. It helps governments and health organizations to develop targeted health interventions aimed at older adults to enhance their quality of life. Additionally, this metric is essential for the financial planning of retirement benefits and pension schemes, ensuring that resources are adequately allocated to meet the needs of an aging population. Moreover, it allows individuals to make informed decisions about their health, lifestyle, and financial future post-retirement.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Age 45

While life expectancy at age 45 is a valuable metric, it comes with its strengths and limitations that must be considered when interpreting the data.

Strengths

One of the primary strengths of this indicator is its ability to provide a standardized measure of health and longevity across different populations and time periods. It allows for effective comparisons and trend analysis, helping to identify health disparities and areas needing intervention. Furthermore, life expectancy at age 45 can reflect the long-term outcomes of public health policies and changes in the healthcare environment, making it a reliable indicator for health improvement over time.

Limitations

However, there are limitations to consider. The accuracy of life expectancy at age 45 heavily relies on the quality of mortality data, which can vary significantly between regions and over time. Inaccuracies in data collection can lead to misleading conclusions. Additionally, this measure does not account for the quality of life or the health status of individuals; it merely estimates the length of life based on current mortality trends. It also fails to capture the variability in life expectancy due to socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and access to healthcare, which can lead to a skewed understanding of a population's health.

In conclusion, while life expectancy at age 45 is a crucial indicator that offers valuable insights into a population's health and longevity, it must be interpreted with an understanding of its broader context and inherent limitations. By doing so, it can be effectively used to guide public health decisions and improve the overall well-being of communities.