age-specific death rate

Gerontology is the scientific study of aging, focusing on the progressive changes that occur in cells, tissues, and organisms over time. It examines the period between maturity and death, exploring factors influencing these changes. Gerontology addresses social, psychological, physiological, and biological aspects of aging. Its goal is to understand the aging process to minimize disabilities in old age, rather than solely extending lifespan.1

The age-specific death rate, or Gompertz function, is a key actuarial tool in gerontology. It describes how mortality risk increases with age, typically in a geometric progression. Cancer, for instance, is largely a disease of the elderly, with mortality rates increasing significantly between ages 55 and 75 in developed countries. While life expectancy has increased due to advancements in health, nutrition, and living standards, gerontology aims to improve the quality of life in later years.23