Marie-Pier Bergeron Boucher

Project title

Lifespan inequalities and the role of social determinants of health: Going beyond life expectancy

What is your project about?

Not everyone lives as long as life expectancy suggests. In every country, we see major differences in how long people live. Social determinants of health, such as income, education, place of residence, and marital status all play a role in shaping lifespan. These determinants do not act in isolation but interact in a complex way we still do not fully understand. Most studies only look at one or two of these determinants in isolation, which leaves important gaps in our knowledge. This project aims to close those knowledge gaps by estimating and forecasting lifespan across multiple intersecting determinants and assessing how lifespan inequalities affect general mortality trends.

How did you become interested in your particular field of research?

Since my master’s thesis, I have been fascinated by the question of why people live longer over time. My early work focused on changes in the structure of age and causes of death, as well as on developing models to forecast how long we might live if past improvements continue. During my postdoctoral research, I became increasingly interested in how these gains in longevity are not shared equally, leading both to widening inequalities in lifespan between subgroups of the population and to changes in overall mortality trends and patterns. 

What are the scientific challenges and perspectives in your project?

The core of my project is to estimate the lifespan for subgroups of the population that share multiple identical social characteristics, providing precise lifespan estimates. The main challenge is that reliable lifespan estimation is difficult for small populations, such as those defined by several common characteristics. To address this, I draw on tested demographic methods to reconstruct mortality patterns when data are incomplete or scarce. This approach will make it possible to generate lifespan estimates at a level of detail not previously available.

What is your estimate of the impact, which your project may have to society in the long term?

Lifespan inequalities are the most fundamental form of inequality, threatening the right to life itself. They also ripple into other social disparities, creating significant economic and ethical burdens. To address these inequalities, we must first understand their extent and the factors that drive them. And this is what this project can do. At the same time, lifespan estimates and forecasts are vital across many areas of society. Financial institutions use them to guide retirement planning, insurance companies to price annuities, public health institutions to monitor health disparities, and policymakers to make decisions such as setting statutory pension ages. Producing better and more precise lifespan estimates will strengthen decision-making across society.

Which impact do you expect the Sapere Aude programme will have on your career as a researcher?

The Sapere Aude programme offers me a unique opportunity to establish a research group on one of my key areas of expertise and expand my international network, thereby strengthening my research profile both nationally and internationally. Leading a research group will allow me to mentor PhD students and postdocs while developing essential leadership skills.

Background and personal life

Originally from Canada, I moved to Denmark in 2013 to pursue my doctoral studies. I also had the chance to study and do some research stays in Spain, France and Australia, which is great as I love to travel. As an outdoor enthusiast, I enjoy running, hiking, skiing, and kayaking. In my personal life, I met my partner here in Denmark and we are now the proud parents of two young daughters so we spend our free time with them.