Health, Morbidity and Mortality


How are social inequalities related to healthy lifespans?

What are the trends in life expectancy and lifespan variation these days?

This Working Group studies trends and differentials in health, morbidity and mortality across Europe. Firmly based in population studies and demography, the group has a strong interdisciplinary character.

From its inception in 1991, the group has organized many seminars and workshops in close collaboration with scholars and institutions across Europe. All members may join the Working Group and participate in its events.

If you are interested in being part of this group, please send an email to Jon Anson at anson@bgu.ac.il.

Previous event

Work, Love, and Death - Health, Morbidity, and Mortality Working Group meeting in Bilbao

The workshop titled "Work, Love, and Death" was organized by the Health, Morbidity, and Mortality Working Group of EAPS and hosted by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain, in collaboration with EAPS, Prague University of Economics and Business, Czech Republic; Charles University, Czech Republic, and Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel. Extra sponsors included the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), la Caixa Foundation Social Observatory, and the OPIK research group.

Held in Bilbao, Spain, at Bizkaia Aretoa from September 25 to 27, 2024, this three-day event brought together three keynotes, 19 long talks, 27 flash talks (that also included a poster), and 75 participants in total for vibrant discussions on population mortality and health issues, data study opportunities, and methodological challenges.

Keynote speakers highlighted their significant ERC projects ore their broad research agenda, including Anna Oksuzyan's study on intermarriage and health among immigrant and native-born persons in Sweden and Denmark ("Is it better to intermarry? Immigration background of married couples and health among immigrant and native-born persons in Sweden and Denmark"), Silvia Loi's exploration of migration and health inequalities ("Migration and health inequalities over the life-course: an intersectional perspective"), and Zachary van Winkle’s research on the economic and mental health costs of widowhood for older adults ("The cost of widowhood for older adults' economic wellbeing and mental health: Matching studies of process and event"). For Working Group members and those interested in its activities, a dedicated Facebook page, and a new LinkedIn group are available. All are encouraged to use these platforms to share research insights, publications, job and study opportunities, interest in lecture exchanges, and collaboration opportunities in planned and ongoing research.

The Steering Committee would like to express their heartfelt thanks not only to Tim Riffe, the local lead organizer, but also to his entire local team for their outstanding work. The workshop was exceptionally well-organized, creating a warm and informal atmosphere that encouraged engagement, enthusiasm, and deep appreciation for the fascinating topics and outstanding contributions shared by all. 

Link to shared album.

Upcoming event
The next workshop, entitled Living Longer, Living better: Inequalities in Health and Longevity, will be hosted by the Department of Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, 10-12 September, 2025. Save the date!



Steering committee

JON ANSON

Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

KLÁRA HULÍKOVÁ TESÁRKOVÁ

Charles University, Czech Republic

PETR MAZOUCH

Prague University of Economics and Business, Czech Republic

Previous events