Average and healthy life expectancies and self-rated health in the European country

Abstract

Aim: When considering the health of elderly individuals, extending a healthy lifespan as well as the average life expectancy has been discussed. In general, life expectancy is determined by biological health, socioeconomic factor, and social disparities. However, the effects of fatal diseases, such as cancer, socioeconomic factor, and self-rated health on the average life expectancy and healthy life expectancy have not been fully elucidated. Methods: In the present study, a multiple regression analysis was used to clarify the relationships between the lifespan and socio-economic conditions, such as the GDP, GiNi index, age-adjusted mortality from cancer, suicide rate and self-rated health in 27 European countries. Results: According to the multiple regression analysis, the average life expectancy was significantly correlated with mortality from cancer (β=-0.816, P=0.001), whereas the healthy life expectancy was significantly correlated with self-rated health (β=0.759, p=0.001) in males. In females, the average life expectancy was significantly correlated with mortality from cancer (β=-0.470, p=0.004), whereas the healthy life expectancy was significantly correlated with self-rated health (β=0.605, p=0.001). Conclusions: These findings indicate that there is a significant correlation between cancer and life expectancy. Meanwhile, self-rated health is an important factor for increasing the longevity of a healthy life expectancy.