Active life expectancy

Active life expectancy, the average number of years a person can expect to live without chronic disability, is a better measure of the health status of populations in economically developed countries than total life expectancy because the latter has reached levels where most early deaths have been prevented and large survival increases are now likely only at later ages. It is important to assess whether such life expectancy increases are associated with improved quality of life, the capability for independent living, and continued economic activity. Active life expectancy calculations are illustrated with recent disability data from the United States. © 2008 Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Kenneth G. Manton Demographic Studies