Sex differentials in old-age mortality.

"This article examines levels and trends of sex differentials in life expectancy at older ages for 29 developed countries. Significant sex differentials in life expectancy among the elderly have been found--but no common trend among countries.... The article concludes that it is necessary to draw more attention to old-age mortality, and to sex differentials in particular, since the size and relative weight of the elderly segment of the population continues to grow. Also, it seems to be necessary to include specific goals for old-age mortality in national health strategies aimed at reducing overall mortality and narrowing inequalities between social groups."