Women living longer but men continue to catch up in 2011

Québec, May 1, 2012 – Each year over the past decade, men have, on average,  added just over four months to their life expectancy and women over two. In 2011 in Québec, men’s life expectancy at birth was 79.7  years and women’s 83.7. These results on death and mortality in Québec in 2011 were taken from the Coup d’œil sociodémographique bulletin, released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.

Since the average lifespan is increasing faster among men than women, the mortality gap is narrowing. Over 30 years, the male longevity deficit has been almost cut in half. While it was about 8 years at the end of the 1970s, it is now 4 years. Note that the men’s life expectancy in 2011 is the same as that of women in 1986.

Recent gains in life expectancy at birth were especially generated by the decline in mortality between ages 60 and 89. This is reflected in the very strong growth in life expectancy at age 65, particularly among men. In 2011, it reached 18.9 years among men and 21.8 among women.

There were an estimated 59,300 deaths in Québec in 2011. Compared to the 57,149 deaths in 2008, the latest final figure available, the most recent report reveals a slight increase in the upward trend in the number of deaths. Since mortality has decreased, as shown in life expectancy gains, the increase in the number of deaths can be explained given the context of a growing and expecially aging population.

Issue 17 of the Coup d’œil sociodémographique bulletin and numerous tables can be found on the Institut website.

The Institut de la statistique du Québec produces, analyses and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is the statistical coordinator for Québec and the relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.

Sources:

• Frédéric F. Payeur
  Demographer
  Phone: 418-691-2406, Ext. 3114
  
  
• Sylvain Carrier
  Communications Advisor
  Phone: 418-691-2403, Ext. 3329
  Cell: 418-655-2411
  
  
  
• Information and Documentation Centre
  Phone: 418-691-2401
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