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, the average life expectancy in the 1950s, calculated from birth, was around 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 short education today live shorter lives than more privileged groups. The difference in average life expectancy between the poor and the rich is often as large as 10 years . Class gaps are reflected in working conditions for the poor that wear out their bodies 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. To reduce the differences in average life expectancy, broad equality and public health work is required that improves living conditions , the working environment and social security for everyone.