J Prev Med Public Health.  2017 Jul;50(4):240-250. 10.3961/jpmph.17.036.

Factors Associated With Subjective Life Expectancy: Comparison With Actuarial Life Expectancy

• Bae J
• Kim YY
• Lee JS

• KMID: 2387578
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.17.036

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Subjective life expectancy (SLE) has been found to show a significant association with mortality. In this study, we aimed to investigate the major factors affecting SLE. We also examined whether any differences existed between SLE and actuarial life expectancy (LE) in Korea.
METHODS
A cross-sectional survey of 1000 individuals in Korea aged 20-59 was conducted. Participants were asked about SLE via a self-reported questionnaire. LE from the National Health Insurance database in Korea was used to evaluate differences between SLE and actuarial LE. Age-adjusted least-squares means, correlations, and regression analyses were used to test the relationship of SLE with four categories of predictors: demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, and psychosocial factors.
RESULTS
Among the 1000 participants, women (mean SLE, 83.43 years; 95% confidence interval, 82.41 to 84.46 years; 48% of the total sample) had an expected LE 1.59 years longer than that of men. The socioeconomic factors of household income and housing arrangements were related to SLE. Among the health behaviors, smoking status, alcohol status, and physical activity were associated with SLE. Among the psychosocial factors, stress, self-rated health, and social connectedness were related to SLE. SLE had a positive correlation with actuarial estimates (r=0.61, p<0.001). Gender, household income, history of smoking, and distress were related to the presence of a gap between SLE and actuarial LE.
CONCLUSIONS
Demographic factors, socioeconomic factors, health behaviors, and psychosocial factors showed significant associations with SLE, in the expected directions. Further studies are needed to determine the reasons for these results.

Keyword

Life expectancy; Socioeconomic factors; Health behavior; Republic of Korea

MeSH Terms

Cross-Sectional Studies
Demography
Family Characteristics
Female
Health Behavior
Housing
Humans
Korea
Life Expectancy*
Male
Mortality
Motor Activity
National Health Programs
Psychology
Republic of Korea
Smoke
Smoking
Socioeconomic Factors
Smoke