Book Chapter

Mortality

Vaupel, J. W., von Kistowski, K. G., Rau, R.
In: Durlauf, S. N., Blume, L. E. (Eds.): The new Palgrave dictionary of economics: vol. 5, 781–787
Basingstoke [et al.], Palgrave Macmillan (2008)

Abstract

Mortality is a demographic component that contributes to shaping the size, structure, and dynamics of populations. Life expectancy has been rising remarkably in the more developed countries since the 19th century and the process of rising life expectancy also has begun in most of the less developed countries. Increases in adult life expectancy and declines in birth rates result in aging societies. Survival is increasing as a result of progress in economic development, social improvements, and advances in medicine. However, death rates vary significantly in different parts of the world and are particularly high in sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords: mortality
The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It's part of the Max Planck Society, the internationally renowned German research society.