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1. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.27.2.350 Health Aff March 2008 vol. 27 no. 2 350-360

# The Gap Gets Bigger: Changes In Mortality And Life Expectancy, By Education, 1981–2000

1. Ellen R. Meara,
2. Seth Richards and
3. David M. Cutler

+ Author Affiliations

1. Ellen Meara (meara@hcp.med.harvard.edu)

## Abstract

In this paper we examine educational disparities in mortality and life expectancy among non-Hispanic blacks and whites in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite increased attention and substantial dollars directed to groups with low socioeconomic status, within race and gender groups, the educational gap in life expectancy is rising, mainly because of rising differentials among the elderly. With the exception of black males, all recent gains in life expectancy at age twenty-five have occurred among better-educated groups, raising educational differentials in life expectancy by 30 percent. Differential trends in smoking-related diseases explain at least 20 percent of this trend.

## Responses on This Article

- Closing The Gap Should Be Getting Easier
  - Prajesh N. Chhanabhai
  Health Aff published online March 11, 2008
  - Full Text

## Related Web Pages:

- Disparities: Expanding The Focus
- Brian Smedley on Health and Health Care Inequality: Time to Act

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1. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.27.2.350 Health Aff March 2008 vol. 27 no. 2 350-360

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