Analyzing Age-Specific Contributions to Life Expectancy Gains Across Europe

With rising life expectancy at birth and declining mortality rates, analyzing demographic and epidemiological factors is key to understanding differing trends and identifying areas for improvement. This study examines age-specific contributions to life expectancy differences across the European region. Arriaga's life expectancy decomposition method is applied to country-specific abridged life tables for 53 countries to compare changes in life expectancy between two 20 year periods (1980-1999 vs. 2000-2019). This decomposition analysis reveals a shift in age-specific contributions-before 2000, gains were primarily driven by reductions in infant and child mortality, whereas after 2000, older age groups (70+) became the dominant contributors in over half of the countries. As population aging accelerates across Europe, a life-course approach is essential to not only extend life expectancy but also ensure those additional years are lived in good health, reducing inequalities and supporting demographic transitions.