Unequal requirements for longevity - Social determinants of mortality in longitudinal perspective

Longitudinal data of the German Socioeconomic Panel (GSOEP) offer new possibilities to identify the determinants for longevity respective the mortality risk. A panel probit model shows that beyond the cohort effects a low income position and a low educational level are determinants which increase the mortality risk dramatically. Widowhood and small family size also have increasing effect on mortality for men while marital status of single (unmarried, separated, divorced) has shortening effect on a woman's life expectancy. Reduced societal participation creates conditions which increase the mortality risk.