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. 2016 Jan;106(1):160-5.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2015.302849. Epub 2015 Nov 12.

Inequalities of Income and Inequalities of Longevity: A Cross-Country Study

Eric Neumayer  1 , Thomas Plümper  1
Affiliations

Inequalities of Income and Inequalities of Longevity: A Cross-Country Study

Eric Neumayer et al. Am J Public Health. 2016 Jan.

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the effects of market income inequality (income inequality before taxes and transfers) and income redistribution via taxes and transfers on inequality in longevity.

Methods: We used life tables to compute Gini coefficients of longevity inequality for all individuals and for individuals who survived to at least 10 years of age. We regressed longevity inequality on market income inequality and income redistribution, and we controlled for potential confounders, in a cross-sectional time-series sample of up to 28 predominantly Western developed countries and up to 37 years (1974-2011).

Results: Income inequality before taxes and transfers was positively associated with inequality in the number of years lived; income redistribution (the difference between market income inequality and income inequality after taxes and transfers were accounted for) was negatively associated with longevity inequality.

Conclusions: To the extent that our estimated effects derived from observational data are causal, governments can reduce longevity inequality not only via public health policies, but also via their influence on market income inequality and the redistribution of incomes from the relatively rich to the relatively poor.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
The Gini Coefficient of Longevity Inequality in the United States: 2010
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
The Long-Term Effect of Pretax Income Inequality on Longevity Inequality in 28 Countries: 1974–2011
FIGURE 3—
FIGURE 3—
The Long-Term Effect of Income Redistribution on Longevity Inequality in 28 Countries: 1974–2011
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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