A Study of Influences of Mortality Change on the Life Expectancy at Birth in Korea and Japan, 2000-2019

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the contribution of specific age groups and causes of death contributing to the changes in the Korea-Japan life expectancy gap from 2000-2019.Methods: Standard life table techniques were used decompose the change in the Korea-Japan life expectancy gap by combing absolute changes in age-specific mortality with relative changes in the distribution of causes of death.Results: Among males, the Korea-Japan life expectancy gap increased 4.2 years in the period 2000-2019. The decline in the life expectancy gap was lager among males, declining by 21.53% (5.289 to 1.139). Nearly all of the 2.07-year decline among males was due to relative mortality improvement among korea at ages 65 to 74 years. primarily due to increased mortality from malignant neoplasms. The gap among females increased by 3.8 years in the period 2000-2019, primarily due to increased mortality from cerebrobascular disease. The decline in the life expectancy gap was larger among males at older ages.Conclusions: The Korea-Japan life expectancy gap has declined because of relative mortality improvements in malignant neoplasms and cerebrobascular diseases. Further narrowing of the gap will require concerted efforts in public health and health care to address the major causes of th remaining gap from malignant neoplasms, cerebrobascular diseases, hypertension diseases.