Health expectancy in the Netherlands 1983-1990

Health expectancy is a relatively new indicator for population health, taking account of both mortality and morbidity and/or disability. This integral measure, introduced by Sullivan in the 1970s, is based on the simple idea of subtracting the number of years that may be expected to be spent in poor health from life expectancy. This article presents results of calculations from the Netherlands based on 2 approaches: firstly, disability-free life expectancy and, secondly, healthy life expectancy. In the latter, health is based on a health interview question about self-perceived health. Although... Mehr ...