Number of years a person of a certain age is expected to (continue to) live in good health, with the underlying assumption that current mortality and health risks remain the same. Good health is defined in four different ways: the absence of chronic illnesses, the absence of physical limitations, good self-perceived physical health and good mental health.
Explanation
Health expectancy is calculated using the Sullivan method. Age-specific mortality risks and life expectancy are calculated using so-called life tables. For each age category, life expectancy is then classified into healthy and unhealthy years, based on the percentage share of unhealthy people in each age group (for example, the share of people with one or more physical limitations).
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