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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), females
Indicator code: E060203.F 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 for Females

Life expectancy at age 45 for females is a crucial demographic indicator that provides insights into the health and longevity of women entering the later stages of their lives. This statistic reflects the average number of years a female is expected to live beyond the age of 45, given the mortality rates at that time. It is an essential measure for public health officials, policymakers, and researchers to assess the effectiveness of health systems and to plan for future healthcare needs. By analyzing trends and disparities in this indicator, stakeholders can better understand the impact of lifestyle, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors on female longevity.

The Importance of Life Expectancy at Age 45 for Females

Understanding life expectancy at age 45 for females is vital for designing targeted health interventions and policies. This metric helps health authorities monitor the effectiveness of public health initiatives aimed at reducing chronic diseases, improving maternal health, and enhancing healthcare accessibility. It also aids in addressing gender-specific health issues and reducing disparities in health outcomes between different population groups. For governments and social planners, this indicator is crucial for forecasting pension liabilities, planning elderly care services, and ensuring that the aging female population receives adequate support and resources.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Age 45 for Females

While life expectancy at age 45 for females is a valuable indicator, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that influence its utility and interpretation.

Strengths

This measure offers a standardized metric that facilitates international comparisons and temporal trend analysis, allowing for effective global and regional health assessments. It helps in identifying and addressing health inequalities and in tailoring public health interventions to improve women's health outcomes. Additionally, this indicator is instrumental in planning for future healthcare needs and in the allocation of resources for age-related health services, such as cancer screening, cardiovascular care, and mental health support.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at age 45 for females depends heavily on the quality and completeness of mortality data, which can vary significantly between regions and over time. Inaccuracies in mortality statistics can lead to misleading conclusions about health trends and the effectiveness of health policies. Furthermore, this indicator does not account for the quality of life or the burden of disease, which can provide a more nuanced understanding of health outcomes. It also fails to capture short-term fluctuations in mortality due to epidemics or other public health emergencies, potentially underestimating or overestimating life expectancy in certain contexts.

In conclusion, while life expectancy at age 45 for females is a critical health indicator, it must be interpreted with an understanding of its methodological limitations and in conjunction with other health metrics to provide a comprehensive picture of female health and longevity.