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Margherita Moretti, University of Helsinki
Cosmo Strozza, Interdisciplinary Centre on Population Dynamics
Italy ranks among the countries with highest life expectancy and at the upper end of those with a severe population ageing process. For these societies, it is of primary importance to consider indicators that simultaneously account for mortality and morbidity. Disability is among the most important dimensions of morbidity as it determines the possibility to be engaged in daily activities within the family, society, and the economic context. It is well known that longevity and health are highly characterized by gender, social and geographical differences. Health inequalities are a major public health challenge and ensuring long and healthy lives for everyone is a fundamental human goal. This study draws on census-linked mortality data of 2011 (including mortality records of the following three years) and on prevalence of long-standing activity limitations, based on the Global Activity Limitation Indicator, derived from the Italian survey Aspects of Daily Living (2012-2014). Disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) at 65 and 80, is computed for the Italian regions, by gender and educational attainment. Age and mortality/morbidity contributions to gender and educational gaps in DFLE are calculated. Preliminary results show that gender differences in DFLE reduce when stratifying the Italian population by educational attainment.
Keywords: Older adults, Inequality, Mortality, Decomposition analysis/methods