Life Expectancy in Quebec by Gender (1985–2023)

Life expectancy in Quebec has shown a steady increase over the past four decades, reflecting advances in public health, healthcare access, and social conditions. Between 1985 and 2023, Quebec’s average life expectancy at birth for both genders combined rose from 75.84 years to 82.6 years. This article explores these trends and breaks them down by gender.

In 1985–1987, life expectancy in Quebec stood at 75.84 years overall. Over the next 38 years, life expectancy steadily increased, reaching a peak of 82.64 years during 2019–2021, before stabilizing at 82.6 years in 2021–2023. This represents a 6.76-year increase in average lifespan over the observed period.

Gender Disparities in Life Expectancy

One consistent feature of the data is the gender gap in life expectancy. From 1985 to 2023, women in Quebec have consistently outlived men by an average of 5 to 7 years.

Year	Life Expectancy (Males)	Life Expectancy (Females)	Gender Gap
1985–1987	72.15	79.61	7.46 years
2000–2002	76.32	81.94	5.62 years
2010–2012	79.41	83.62	4.21 years
2021–2023	80.75	84.38	3.63 years

The gender gap has narrowed gradually over time, indicating improving male health outcomes.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

While many regions experienced life expectancy declines due to COVID-19, Quebec’s data shows resilience. Life expectancy dipped slightly from 82.64 (2019–2021) to 82.47 (2020–2022) but rebounded to 82.6 (2021–2023), indicating a recovery in population health post-pandemic.

Looking Ahead: Life Expectancy in Quebec

Given current health trends, Quebec’s life expectancy is likely to continue improving, especially as innovations in medicine, aging care, and preventive health evolve. However, persistent gender gaps and health inequalities among certain populations (e.g., Indigenous communities, low-income groups) require continued policy attention.

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Key Takeaways

• Quebec’s life expectancy increased from 75.84 years (1985–1987) to 82.6 years (2021–2023).
• Women live longer than men, but the gap has narrowed from 7.46 years to 3.63 years over 38 years.
• Despite COVID-19, Quebec has maintained high life expectancy rates.
• Quebec remains a leader in Canadian population health.

Historical Life Expectancy Data in Quebec :

Year	Both genders	Males	Females
1985 to 1987	75.84	72.15	79.61
1986 to 1988	76.05	72.39	79.76
1987 to 1989	76.3	72.61	80.03
1988 to 1990	76.65	72.97	80.33
1989 to 1991	76.92	73.25	80.56
1990 to 1992	77.26	73.67	80.8
1991 to 1993	77.34	73.82	80.81
1992 to 1994	77.48	74.02	80.88
1993 to 1995	77.47	74.05	80.83
1994 to 1996	77.71	74.38	80.96
1995 to 1997	77.81	74.55	80.97
1996 to 1998	78.05	74.89	81.11
1997 to 1999	78.2	75.07	81.22
1998 to 2000	78.59	75.49	81.56
1999 to 2001	78.92	75.91	81.77
2000 to 2002	79.21	76.32	81.94
2001 to 2003	79.43	76.67	82.04
2002 to 2004	79.66	76.97	82.18
2003 to 2005	79.93	77.31	82.4
2004 to 2006	80.25	77.73	82.6
2005 to 2007	80.52	78.05	82.82
2006 to 2008	80.79	78.4	83.02
2007 to 2009	80.99	78.65	83.16
2008 to 2010	81.24	78.96	83.34
2009 to 2011	81.46	79.23	83.51
2010 to 2012	81.6	79.41	83.62
2011 to 2013	81.77	79.66	83.73
2012 to 2014	81.92	79.89	83.81
2013 to 2015	82.05	80.07	83.91
2014 to 2016	82.24	80.32	84.05
2015 to 2017	82.37	80.47	84.15
2016 to 2018	82.46	80.62	84.19
2017 to 2019	82.56	80.68	84.34
2018 to 2020	82.46	80.61	84.23
2019 to 2021	82.64	80.75	84.48
2020 to 2022	82.47	80.62	84.26
2021 to 2023	82.6	80.75	84.38

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