Adult mortality in East Asia: trends and patterns

Yoonjoung Choi, Johns Hopkins University
Danzhen You, University of California, Berkeley

The purpose of this paper is to identify trends and patterns of adult mortality in East Asia, using data from China, South Korea, and Taiwan. A total of four (1964-2000), ten (1955-2000), and twelve (1905-2000) censuses from China, South Korea, and Taiwan, respectively, and the intercensal average annual deaths were used. We used the Synthetic Extinct Generation method adjusted to the census coverage change based on General Growth Balance results. Changes in 45q15 and age-specific mortality rates (ASMR) were examined. Age-specific levels were estimated, using the West Model life tables. Adult mortality decreased remarkably and fairly constant reduction rates were observed in all countries. The Far Eastern mortality pattern was observed during earlier periods in South Korea and Taiwan. Male-to-female ratios of ASMR, especially in the younger ages, increased over time in South Korea and Taiwan. In China, sex differentials in ASMR were relatively minimal and constant across age groups.