From convergence to divergence: Lifespan variation in US states, 1959-2017

Keywords: lifespan variation, convergence, divergence, decomposition analysis
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Friday
Session Start / End Time: 2/25/2022 11:20 AM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/25/2022 12:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 56

Abstract

Large disparities in life expectancy exist across US states and the gaps have been widening in recent decades. Yet, this average life span measure overlooks substantial variation in the length of life both between and within state contexts. Using yearly lifetables from the United States Mortality DataBase, we explore the patterns in lifespan variation (unconditional and conditional on survival to age 10, 35 and 65) across US states between 1959 and 2017 and examine the contribution of state differences in life expectancy to overall lifespan variation. Despite overall convergence in lifespan variations across states over the last six decades, state lifespan variations have diverged in more recent years. Gender-specific analyses show that lifespan variation was generally greater among males than among females; yet we find a reversal for lifespan variation conditional on survival to age 65. Much of the state disparities in lifespan variation, unconditional and conditional on survival to age 10 and 35, were due to mortality differences under the age 65. Decomposition analysis shows that while within-state variability remains the primary driver of overall lifespan variation, the contribution of cross-state differences in life expectancy is growing. The uncertainty surrounding the age of death is increasingly tied to one’s state of residence and likely reflects the long-term consequences of rising social, economic, and political stratification for health inequalities both within and across states.