OBJECTIVETo compare the life expectancies between the urban and rural residents, and to evaluate the influence of ages and diseases on the differences in life expectancy.

METHODSLife tables, decomposition of life expectancy, the index of relative change in temporary life expectancies were used in our study.

RESULTSIn recent years the life expectancy of rural population growth and growth rate were higher than those in the urban. The contribution of children on the urban-rural difference of life expectancy was reducing, while it was increasing in the middle and older adults. Respiratory diseases, cancer, circulation diseases, as well as injury and poisoning could interpret the most discrepancy of the urban-rural gaps on life expectancy. It is worth noting that different age groups in the major cause of death had different impact on the urban-rural difference of life expectancy.

CONCLUSIONIn order to narrow the gap of life expectancy, we should take measures to improve the health of the middle-aged and elderly populations, in which respiratory diseases, cancer and circulation diseases should have been the focus of concern.