Income inequalities in longevity among Spanish retirement pensioners aged 65+: A comprehensive analysis from 2008 to 2021

Abstract This paper examines disparities in longevity among Spanish retirement pensioners aged 65+, focusing on pension income and gender between 2008 and 2021. Using linked administrative records, we estimate life expectancy and complementary indicators (median, modal age at death, interquartile range). Results show persistent income‐related gaps, especially for men, who face both shorter and less predictable lives, while female inequalities are smaller and tend to converge. Compared internationally, Spain displays distinctive narrowings for women but a widen‐then‐narrow pattern for men. Beyond documenting disparities, the article highlights how each longevity indicator offers distinct policy uses – for actuarial fairness, pension liabilities, and health and elderly care aimed at enhancing the well‐being of disadvantaged groups.