Gender Differences in Disability-Free Life Expectancy at Old Ages in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: We examined gender differences in the prevalence of disability and Disability-free Life Expectancy (DFLE) for Bangladeshi older adults. Method: We used data representing 4,189 elderly subjects aged 60 years and over from a nationally representative survey (Bangladesh’s Household Income and Expenditure Survey-2010). The Sullivan method was used to compute DFLE. Results: Eyesight disability is prevalent among 28.94 and 36.47 men and women, respectively, and is the most prevalent type of disability in Bangladesh. Women have each disability and at least one disability in significantly higher percentages than men. At all ages, and in both numbers and proportion, women have longer life expectancy but shorter DFLE than men. Discussion: Attention should be given to the elderly, with special care devoted to elderly women. The findings of the current study have important implications for risk of disability and the need for, and use of, long-term care services.