7.1.1 Life expectancy estimates for 2000-2002 to 2008-2010 have been revised to use the revised population estimates for 2002 to 2010, published in December 2013. The revised life expectancy estimates based on the 2011 Census are slightly lower than the previously published estimates. For males the differences get larger over time and increase with age, the largest difference observed between the estimates was 0.17 of a year or two months in 2008-2010 at ages 85 and over. The size of the differences between the estimates are smaller for females across the decade with the largest difference of 0.16 of a year or two months in 2002-2004 at age 85 and over.
7.1.2 The majority of the differences are negative, that is life expectancy is lower as a result of the revisions to mid-year population estimates for the years 2002 to 2010. The 2011 Census results showed that the total population of Scotland over the decade from 2001 was underestimated by about 49,500. However, at older ages (from around 65) the 2011 Census identified an overestimate. This means that a reduction in the estimate of the population (the denominator for calculating mortality rates) following the 2011 Census has resulted in an increase in mortality rates at older ages and hence lower life expectancy. Changes in the mortality rates at older ages have had a greater impact on life expectancy than changes occurring at younger ages.
7.2.1 There are wide variations in Council area life expectancy differences for both males and females between the revised and unrevised estimates.
7.2.2 Comparing the 2008-2010 life expectancy estimates where males have the largest difference, Dundee City (11 months) and Shetland Islands with 9 months have the largest decrease in life expectancy at age 85 and over. Orkney Islands and East Renfrewshire Council areas have the largest increases in male life expectancy at 9 months and 5 months respectively. Fife and Dumfries & Galloway had the smallest differences between the revised life expectancy estimates and the previously published estimates for older ages.
7.2.3 For females, 2008-2010 life expectancy estimates also had the biggest differences at Council area level. Fife (8 months) and Dundee City (6 months) Council areas had the largest decrease in life expectancy between the revised and previously published estimates. Scottish Borders and Angus Council areas had the largest life expectancy increases at 7 months and 3 months respectively. Clackmannanshire and West Dunbartonshire Council areas had the smallest differences between the revised and previously published life expectancy estimates.
7.2.4 More information on how the population estimates for 2002 to 2011 were revised is available within the Mid-Year Population Estimates section of the NRS website along with a report reconciling the differences between the new population estimates which took into account the 2011 Census results and those previously published based on the 2001 Census.