Method for Constructing Complete Annual U.S. Life Tables

Series 2, No. 129. Method for Constructing Complete Annual U.S. Life Tables. 32 pp. (PHS) 2000-1329. GPO stock number and price forthcoming
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The purpose of this report is to describe a method for constructing complete annual U.S. life tables. The method, similar to that used to construct the decennial life tables, uses vital statistics and census data to calculate death rates for ages under 85 and Medicare data for ages 85 and older. Complete life tables based on 1996 mortality data are presented and compared with published life expectancies from the 1996 abridged life tables and with the 1989-91 decennial life tables. The methodology was implemented beginning with final mortality data for 1997.

The method described in this report is also designed to extend the age coverage of the life table. Previously, the annual life tables were closed with the age category 85 years and over. Survival in the United States beyond age 85 is approximately one-third of the population. This factor, coupled with improvements in age reporting at the older ages and the availability of higher quality mortality data from sources other than vital statistics, recommends that the life table be closed at an older age. The method described in this report closes the annual life tables with the age category 100 years and over.

Keywords: life expectancy, life tables, age

This page last reviewed October 15, 2008