Women have historically experienced lower mortality rates than men. We study a measure of the gender gap in mortality rates, we call “Gender Gap Ratio”, for several ages and for four countries: France, Italy, Sweden and USA. We show the stylized facts that characterize the historical trend of the Gender Gap Ratio and obtain 10-years ahead future projections. Furthermore, we monetize the Gender Gap Ratio, in the framework of life annuities. Against the same amount invested in a temporary life annuity, a Gender Gap Ratio between 1.5 and 2.5, depending on age and country, implies a reduction of up to 25% in the benefits for women with respect to men. In light of the crucial economic effects of longevity awareness, we advocate the importance to advance the level of demographic literacy among individuals and policy-makers.
The Gender Longevity Gap: improving economic decisions through demographic literacy
Giovanna Apicella;
2023-01-01
Abstract
Women have historically experienced lower mortality rates than men. We study a measure of the gender gap in mortality rates, we call “Gender Gap Ratio”, for several ages and for four countries: France, Italy, Sweden and USA. We show the stylized facts that characterize the historical trend of the Gender Gap Ratio and obtain 10-years ahead future projections. Furthermore, we monetize the Gender Gap Ratio, in the framework of life annuities. Against the same amount invested in a temporary life annuity, a Gender Gap Ratio between 1.5 and 2.5, depending on age and country, implies a reduction of up to 25% in the benefits for women with respect to men. In light of the crucial economic effects of longevity awareness, we advocate the importance to advance the level of demographic literacy among individuals and policy-makers.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
