Effects of Improved Morbidity Rates on Active Life Expectancy and Eligibility for Long-Term Care Services

Abstract

This study examines effects of better health on active life expectancy and eligibility for long-term care services, using data from the 1984-1990 Longitudinal Study of Aging and microsimulation techniques. Results show that better health increases total life expectancy (TLE), the proportion of life spent unimpaired, and the amount of time spent unimpaired. Women experience larger proportional increases in active life expectancy under assumptions of better health. Better health also reduces the proportion of men and women who would be eligible for long-term care services. However, better health decreases the proportion of men eligible for long-term care services more than it decreases the eligible proportion of women. The results reinforce the importance of focusing on policies designed to promote healthy lifestyles and to reduce the prevalence of chronic conditions.