Sex and regional differentials in longevity in Ontario.

Average life expectation at birth is a measure of mortality and is often taken as an indicator of the overall wellbeing of a society. This study examines data on life expectancy for the counties and regional municipalities of Ontario from 1921 to 1981 and analyzes the relationship with social and economic variables in 1981. The study concludes that, despite the appreciable improvement in life expectancy for both sexes in Ontario in the last 60 years, there still remain pronounced sex differences. Life expectancy at birth in Ontario was 72 for males and 79 for females in 1981, compared to 59 and 61 respectively in 1921. These increases are remarkably different between the earlier years and the older ages. Expenditure on social services has the strongest effect on longevity, and in different directions at different ages. Female life expectancy seems to benefit at the older ages from expenditures on social services, by contrast to that in males and at younger ages. Population per physician and income have a stronger influence on the life expectancy of males than female. The view that life expectancy at birth is a sensitive indicator of social variables is confirmed, but this appears to be particularly so for males.