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Mortality improvements

\mɔrˈtæləti\ \ɪmˈpruvmənts\

The reduction of mortality rates over time. Usually refers to reductions that are projected to happen in the future.

Actuaries often refer to reductions in mortality rates as ‘mortality improvements’ although the term ‘longevity improvements’ might be more appropriate. Studies show that, over time, the average life expectancy in most developed countries has increased: for example, on average, we expect to live significantly longer than our great-grandparents. The term ‘mortality improvement’ usually refers to a reduction in mortality rates – which in turn imply longer life expectancy.

Various mathematical models have been developed. These fall into two main groups: those that extrapolate past death statistics (e.g. Lee-Carter, P-spline) and those that seek to model causes of death.

Keep exploring our Lexicon of Longevity
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