Adult Mortality in Eastern 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 Eastern 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 inter-censal average annual deaths were obtained. 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 were examined. In addition, age-specific levels were estimated, using the Coale-Demeny West Model life tables. Remarkable adult mortality reductions were observed and, importantly, each country experienced fairly constant reduction rate over time. The 'far-eastern mortality pattern' was observed only for earlier periods in South Korea and Taiwan. Excess male mortality increased over time in all countries and, especially, it has expanded to young adults in South Korea and Taiwan.