Life table analysis is a statistical method commonly used in demography and actuarial science to analyze and interpret mortality, survival, and life expectancy data. It involves constructing a life table, which is a comprehensive tabulation that summarizes the mortality and survival patterns of a population or a cohort over a specific period of time.
Life table analysis primarily focuses on the study of mortality rates, which are the probability of dying at each age or time interval. By analyzing and comparing the mortality rates across different age groups or time periods, researchers can gain insights into patterns of mortality and survival within a population. This analysis also allows for the estimation and projection of life expectancy, which indicates the average expected number of years a person is likely to live.
To construct a life table, data on deaths and the corresponding population at risk are typically used. These data are then used to calculate various measures such as age-specific mortality rates, cumulative survival probabilities, and life expectancy. Life table analysis can be used to examine mortality patterns for various purposes, including public health planning, insurance risk assessment, and studying the impact of interventions or treatments on survival rates.
Life table analysis provides valuable information on the mortality and survival characteristics of a population, allowing for a better understanding of health and longevity trends. It is a fundamental tool for demographers, actuaries, epidemiologists, and policymakers seeking to explore and assess the risks and dynamics associated with population health and longevity.
