Life Expectancy in Nova Scotia by Gender (1985–2023)

In 1985–1987, the average life expectancy at birth in Nova Scotia was 75.73 years. By 2021–2023, it had risen to 80.25 years, reflecting a gain of 4.52 years over 38 years.

Notable Trends:

• 1990 to 1992: Reached 76.9 years
• 2000 to 2002: Surpassed 78 years
• 2010 to 2012: Crossed 80 years for the first time
• Recent trend: Stabilized around 80.25 years despite minor fluctuations during the COVID-19 pandemic

This growth aligns with broader public health improvements, access to healthcare, and better awareness of preventive medicine.

Life Expectancy for Males in Nova Scotia

Males in Nova Scotia have consistently shown lower life expectancy than females, but they have also made significant gains over the years.

Key Data Points:

• 1985–1987: 72.37 years
• 2000–2002: 76.25 years
• 2015–2017: 78.21 years
• 2021–2023: 78.04 years

While there was a slight dip during the pandemic years (2020–2022), male life expectancy remains on an upward trajectory overall.

Life Expectancy for Females in Nova Scotia

Women in Nova Scotia continue to enjoy longer lifespans than men. From 79.36 years in 1985–1987, female life expectancy rose to 82.53 years by 2021–2023.

Highlights:

• Surpassed 80 years by the early 1990s
• Maintained above 82.5 years from 2013 to present
• Marginal pandemic impact, with only a 0.1-year dip between 2020–2022 and 2021–2023

Female longevity reflects advantages in health behaviors, preventive care engagement, and lower incidence of certain lifestyle-related illnesses.

Gender Gap in Life Expectancy

The gender gap in life expectancy in Nova Scotia was over 7 years in the 1980s, with women living significantly longer than men. However, this gap has narrowed slightly, standing at approximately 4.5 years in 2021–2023.

Efforts to reduce cardiovascular disease, promote men’s mental health, and improve workplace safety may be contributing factors to this reduction.

Historical Life Expectancy Data in Nova Scotia:

Year	Both genders	Males	Females
1985 to 1987	75.73	72.37	79.36
1986 to 1988	75.97	72.59	79.58
1987 to 1989	76.09	72.74	79.68
1988 to 1990	76.24	73	79.69
1989 to 1991	76.66	73.39	80.06
1990 to 1992	76.9	73.68	80.21
1991 to 1993	77.16	73.96	80.47
1992 to 1994	77.14	74.02	80.34
1993 to 1995	77.4	74.34	80.44
1994 to 1996	77.49	74.54	80.5
1995 to 1997	77.68	74.79	80.5
1996 to 1998	77.69	74.95	80.45
1997 to 1999	78.04	75.29	80.75
1998 to 2000	78.34	75.59	81.1
1999 to 2001	78.71	76.02	81.33
2000 to 2002	78.78	76.25	81.28
2001 to 2003	78.92	76.38	81.38
2002 to 2004	78.98	76.4	81.55
2003 to 2005	79.11	76.48	81.68
2004 to 2006	79.4	76.73	81.96
2005 to 2007	79.58	77.02	82.03
2006 to 2008	79.78	77.34	82.13
2007 to 2009	79.94	77.56	82.2
2008 to 2010	80.17	77.76	82.47
2009 to 2011	80.25	77.88	82.51
2010 to 2012	80.34	78.08	82.5
2011 to 2013	80.37	78.12	82.51
2012 to 2014	80.48	78.23	82.7
2013 to 2015	80.36	78.14	82.57
2014 to 2016	80.44	78.19	82.68
2015 to 2017	80.41	78.21	82.54
2016 to 2018	80.48	78.27	82.62
2017 to 2019	80.41	78.36	82.43
2018 to 2020	80.47	78.41	82.53
2019 to 2021	80.49	78.38	82.62
2020 to 2022	80.29	78.11	82.52
2021 to 2023	80.25	78.04	82.53

Source:

Source Name:	Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0114-01. Life expectancy and other elements of the complete life table, three-year estimates, Canada, all provinces except Prince Edward Island
Source Link:	https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310011401
Release Date:	2024-12-04