Despite increased life expectancy since the 1950s, large differences between groups are increasing. The average life expectancy for men in Sweden is 82,3 years. For women it is 85,4, which is 3,1 years more than for men. For example, in the 1950s, average life expectancy, calculated from birth, was about 74 years for women and 71 years for men. Nowadays, infant mortality is lower and the increase in life expectancy is mainly due to reduced mortality at older ages.
Women with a low level of education today live shorter lives than more privileged groups. The difference in life expectancy between the poor and the rich is often as big as 10 years. Class divisions are reflected in working conditions for the poor that wear out the body and in lifestyle choices characterized by stress and insecurity. The rich often have less tiring jobs but also more space to exercise, money for better food in times when food prices are skyrocketing and not the same need for comfort eating. In poor neighborhoods, the supply of fast food and sweets is often much more available than in the neighborhoods of the well-off. In order to reduce the differences in average life expectancy, broad equality and public health work is required that improves living conditions, work environment and social security for all.