Socio-economic inequalities in longevity indicators in Belgium since the 1990s

We will use the recently developed Belgian indices of multiple deprivation (BIMDs) in combination with all-cause and cause-specific mortality data to investigate the SE inequalities in longevity indicators. Our main goal is to compare the levels and trends of life expectancy, median and modal ages at death across geographical areas in Belgium with different deprivation levels, measured by the BIMDs. Our findings will reveal the absolute and relative differences in these three indicators between and within the Belgian areas with different deprivation levels, and show us their trends since the year 1991. As the recent gains in longevity are mostly due to lower mortality at the higher ages, studying the past trends in modal age at death by the major causes of death can reveal signs of deceleration of acceleration, suggesting either future longevity gains or losses.

Faculty Supervisor:

Nadine Ouellette

Student:

Partner:

Université Catholique de Louvain

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: