Health-adjusted life expectancy in Britain, 1991-1998

Abstract

In this paper changes in the quality of health adjusted life expectancy of the British population between 1991 and 1998 are analyzed. It is found that at all given age levels life expectancy increased during this period. Life expectancy at birth increased by 1 year for women and by 1.5 years for men. It is further found that the prevalence of health problems and handicaps has increased during the 1990s. For all age categories distinguished the self-assessment of the quality of health also declined, on average. We finally find that quality adjusted life expectancy declined between 1991 and 1998 rather than increased.