Pop digests

PopDigests

PopDigests are short, comprehensive summaries of research results with a link to the original publication (if accessible online). This allows population experts and other interested audiences to be able to easily access information to the latest research results. 

RDNE Stock project

Mothers with poorer health before pregnancy are less likely to qualify for generous parental leave benefits

Who misses out on Sweden's generous parental leave? According to new research from Stockholm University and Karolinska Institutet, mothers with recent health problems—especially severe mental health disorders—face a double disadvantage. Those with chronic conditions are hit hardest.
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Smoking, Alcohol and Obesity Together Determine Half the Increase in Inequalities in Life Expectancy

Fanny Janssen (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute and University of Groningen) and her collaborators within the “Future Longevity Inequalities” research project examined the individual and combined effects of smoking, alcohol and obesity on both levels and trends in educational differences in remaining life expectancy at age 30 in England & Wales, Finland and Turin from 1992 to 2017.

Fanny Janssen (Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute and University of Groningen) and her collaborators within the “Future Longevity Inequalities” research project examined the individual and combined effects of smoking, alcohol and obesity on both levels and trends in educational differences in remaining life expectancy at age 30 in England & Wales, Finland and Turin from 1992 to 2017.

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Different Backgrounds, Different Plans: How Couples in Sweden Decide on Having Children

Couples’ views on having children often diverge—especially when partners come from different cultural backgrounds. In Sweden, Eleonora Mussino and Caroline Uggla find that native-migrant pairs are the most divided, revealing hidden dynamics behind the country’s low birth rates.

Couples’ views on having children often diverge—especially when partners come from different cultural backgrounds. In Sweden, Eleonora Mussino and Caroline Uggla find that native-migrant pairs are the most divided, revealing hidden dynamics behind the country’s low birth rates.

two older people walking arm in arm

The Unexpected Return of International Retirement Migrants

Most older adults who move to a new county in retirement intend to settle permanently. However, findings from unique data on Dutch international retirement migrants show that return migration occurs more often than expected. In particular, health status and the geographical location of social ties influence where people decide to spend the final phase of life.

New research from NIDI show that Dutch international retirement migrants return return to the Netherlands more often than expected. In particular, health status and the geographical location of social ties influence where people decide to spend the final phase of life. 

Woman putting on face mask

How severe was the mortality during the first two years of the pandemic? Looking back can help us understand

Looking at previous experiences can improve our understanding of how pandemics evolve. In a new study, scholars of the French Institute for Demographic Studies (INED) analysed changes in demographic data related to the pandemic. The researchers compared these to four other major longevity crises since 1900.

Researchers at INED By placed COVID-19 mortality within a century-long perspective. Their study highlights the importance of examining mortality distributions in different age groups and regions in order to improve our understanding of how pandemics evolve and how we can enhance our population's resilience.