livsperiode

Livsperiode is a term used in several Scandinavian languages to denote the life period of a living being, either the span from birth to death or a particular phase within an individual’s life. In English-language contexts it is often discussed in relation to lifespan and life expectancy, though the term can also emphasize the qualitative aspects of different life stages.

In biology and demography, lifespan refers to the maximum duration a species can live under favorable conditions, whereas life expectancy describes the average number of years a member of a population is expected to live. Life expectancy can be analyzed at birth or at later ages, such as life expectancy after reaching 65 or 80. Life tables and survival analyses are common tools for studying a population’s livsperiode.

A life course perspective treats livsperiod as a sequence of stages and transitions—infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age—influenced by biological development, social context, and personal experiences. The length and quality of the livsperiode are shaped by genetics, health and nutrition, access to healthcare, education, income, lifestyle choices, and environmental conditions.

Variability across populations is well documented, with differences in average life expectancy and the distribution of years lived. In policy and research, the concept supports planning for aging populations, public health strategies, retirement, and social care needs, with a focus on both longevity and the quality of life during the years of the livsperiode.