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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

Joint Monitoring Framework (JMF)

The joint monitoring framework (JMF) is used for reporting on indicators under three monitoring frameworks: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Health 2020 and the Global Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) 2013–2020. The Regional Committee for Europe adopted the JMF in September 2018.

The majority of JMF indicators in the Gateway are linked to existing databases in the Gateway.

Background documents

EUR/RC68/10 Rev.1 Briefing note on the expert group deliberations and recommended common set of indicators for a joint monitoring framework
http://www.euro.who.int/en/about-us/governance/regional-committee-for-europe/past-sessions/68th-session/documentation/working-documents/eurrc6810-

EUR/RC68(1): Joint monitoring framework in the context of the roadmap to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, building on Health 2020, the European policy for health and well-being
http://www.euro.who.int/en/about-us/governance/regional-committee-for-europe/past-sessions/68th-session/documentation/resolutions/eurrc68d1

Developing a common set of indicators for the joint monitoring framework for SDGs, Health 2020 and the Global NCD Action Plan (2017)
http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/health-policy/health-2020-the-european-policy-for-health-and-well-being/publications/2018/developing-a-common-set-of-indicators-for-the-joint-monitoring-framework-for-sdgs,-health-2020-and-the-global-ncd-action-plan-2017

Indicator notes

Life expectancy at age 65 (years), males
Indicator code: E060204.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

Understanding Life Expectancy at Age 65 for Males

Life expectancy at age 65 for males is a crucial demographic indicator that helps to understand the average number of years a male is expected to live once he reaches the age of 65. This statistic is not just a measure of longevity but also a reflection of the health and social conditions prevailing in a society. By analyzing this data, policymakers and health professionals can better allocate resources, plan for future healthcare needs, and implement targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for older populations. This indicator is particularly important in the context of an aging global population, where understanding the dynamics of elderly health outcomes becomes essential for sustainable development.

The Importance of Life Expectancy at Age 65 for Males

Life expectancy at age 65 for males is a significant indicator for several reasons. Firstly, it provides insights into the health status of the older male population, which is crucial for designing age-appropriate healthcare policies. Secondly, this metric helps in planning pension systems and social security benefits, ensuring that resources are adequately allocated to meet the needs of an aging population. Additionally, understanding life expectancy at this age can help address potential disparities in health outcomes among different demographic groups, thereby promoting health equity and improving overall societal well-being.

Strengths and Limitations of Life Expectancy at Age 65 for Males

While life expectancy at age 65 for males is a valuable indicator, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations that need careful consideration.

Strengths

This metric offers a standardized measure to compare the health and longevity of older males across different regions and time periods, facilitating international health studies and policy-making. It also aids in the assessment of healthcare systems' effectiveness, particularly in terms of chronic disease management and preventive care for the elderly. Moreover, life expectancy figures are crucial for economic planning, helping governments and businesses to forecast the needs of the aging population in terms of products, services, and employment.

Limitations

However, the calculation of life expectancy at age 65 can be influenced by various factors that may lead to inaccuracies. Data collection methods, the quality of mortality statistics, and demographic shifts can all impact the reliability of this indicator. In regions where health data is poorly recorded or in times of rapid change such as migration or epidemics, life expectancy figures may not accurately reflect the real conditions. Additionally, this measure does not account for the quality of life or the distribution of health states within the remaining years, which are also critical for understanding the aging experience.

In conclusion, while life expectancy at age 65 for males is an essential demographic indicator with several applications, it must be interpreted with an understanding of its underlying strengths and limitations. By continuously improving data collection and analysis methods, we can enhance the accuracy and relevance of this important measure, thereby better supporting the health and well-being of the aging male population.