Sex Differences in Mortality, a Comparison of the United Kingdom and Other Developed Countries

Women, on average, live longer than men, though sex differences in mortality vary from country to country and over time. This study includes a description of recent changes in life expectancies at different ages, followed by a more detailed analysis of death rates by age in selected countries. Additionally it provides a historical perspective on the sex differences in mortality in France and England and Wales. Possible explanations for the differences among countries are explored using trends in mortality by cause of death.