Relationships between the Active Aging Index and Disability-Free Life Expectancy: A Case Study in the Rajshahi District of Bangladesh.
Life expectancy has increased considerably throughout the world. In Bangladesh, life expectancy has increased from about 53 years in 1975 to 69 years in 2010. However, it is unknown whether the increase in life expectancy is simultaneously accompanied by an increase in disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). The purpose of the study described in this article was to explore the relationship between life expectancy and DFLE in the Rajshahi District of Bangladesh by examining the relationships between the Active Aging Index (AAI) and DFLE. The study fi ndings suggest that urban, more-educated, elderly males are more active in all aspects of life and have longer DFLE. Females are found to outlive males but are more likely to live a greater part of their remaining life with disability. Positive correlations between the AAI and DFLE suggest that older adults could enjoy more DFLE by involving themselves in active aging activities.
Department of Health Care Management and Planning, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan. tareque_pshd@yahoo.com
Md Ismail
MI
Tareque
Dept. of Demography and Institute for Demographic and Socioeconomic Research, University of Texas.
Nazrul
N
Hoque
Dept. of Health Care Management and Planning, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Towfiqua Mahfuza
TM
Islam
Dept. of Health Care Management and Planning, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Kazuo
K
Kawahara
Dept. of Health Care Management and Planning, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Makiko
M
Sugawa
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging; D001459:Bangladesh; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors; D014505:Urban Population