In the next few decades Life expectancy will grow favourably for men and?
the number of old men will grow extremely high ratio.
Today averaging in OECD countries women ouliving men by averaging 5.4 years, the gap in life expectancy is smallest in Iceland (3.7 years) and largest in France and Japan (6.8 years for each countries) but American and British scientists predicted in 2009 the gap will vanish in 2046 when the first post-World War II baby boomers reach 100 years old.
Britain is not a specific case, today the ratio of women per 100 men at age 65 and over is 128 to 100 but in 2046 the ratio will expect to fall to 115 to 100 and in 2046 the ratio of women per men in centenarians will around 1.8 (compare 5.8 today). What is the main reason for the change in demographics composition?
One of the main reasons for increased male life expectancy is the decrease in heavy industry. Men used to work in appalling conditions in places such as coal mines. These conditions lead to severe respiratory problems in later life and shortened life expectancy. It was unusual for women to work in such places.
As less men work in these conditions they are now on a more equal level with women in their working environments and thus in their life expectancy.
Doctor Marion’s “Aging in America” Tour, Segment 4