Convergence of lifestyles and trends in the sex ratio among the middle-aged in Finland

Authors

• Seppo Koskinen
• Pekka Martikainen
• Tuija Martelin
• Tapani Valkonen

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23979/fypr.44880

Keywords:

mortality, gender, lifestyle, Finland

Abstract

Male excess mortality has increased rapidly during this century. A hypothesis has been brought forth, however, that the growing equality of the sexes and the concomitantly increasing similarity of lifestyles, result in a convergence of female and male mortality. In addition, it can be assumed that this process is most evident in those »modern» population groups which can be considered forerunners in adopting new behavior patterns, e.g. among the young with higher education or living in the capital region. This article examines the plausibility of these hypotheses among the Finnish middle-aged population during the period 1971-85.