Life expectancy in Danish municipalities varies considerably

Nearly six years separates Lolland from Rudersdal

Denmark’s average life expectancy might be a commendable 79.8 years old, but there is a difference of over five years depending on where you live.

A new report from the think-tank Cevea showed that Denmark’s lowest average life expectancy, 76.5 years, was in Lolland Municipality, nearly six years less than the 82.3 average in Rudersdal Municipality.

Holger Schou Rasmussen, the mayor of Lolland, argues that the stark difference is down to the many early retirees and long-term ill and socially vulnerable people who reside in Lolland.

“I am sure that engineers in Lolland live just as long as engineers in Hørsholm,” Rasmussen told Avisen.dk. “The trouble is that there are ten times as many engineers in Hørsholm.”

“The citizens who are most unhealthy are often early retirees or uneducated. It’s connected.”

READ MORE: The geography of death and the growing gap in the mortality rate

North Zealand ruling supreme
The report showed that the seven municipalities in Denmark with the longest average life expectancy are all in north Zealand: Rudersdal, Gentofte, Lyngby-Taarbæk, Furesø, Egedal, Allerød and Hørsholm.

The life expectancy of Copenhagen Municipality was found to be among the worst in the country at 77.6, well over two years below the national average.

TOP STORIES

  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect club

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.

Sign up here

Career

Want to advertise your job with CPH Post?

Contact us

Jobs