Patterns of Longevity Improvements at Older Ages in India, 1970-2007

Preeti Preeti, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Laishram Ladusingh, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)

Longevity improvement and the resulting growth of elderly populations have critical implications for the pension plan. In India, life expectancy has improved in each age but so far mortality improvement at older age is totally unexplored, therefore this paper makes an attempt to analyze past trends of mortality improvement with focusing at older ages by using Sample Registration System by Registrar General of India (1970-2007) data. Life expectancy by age, sex, place of residence, states and for the period of 1970-2007 is analyzed. Period abridged life tables are made each year and each five year period. Findings suggest that life expectancy gain in all groups with different pace. Longevity improvements are now shifting from juvenile to older age. Analysis of sex differentials in life expectancy at age sixty suggest that gender gap has widen especially in developed states, rural-urban difference has narrowed down and by states it has converged.