Source: PR Newswire
CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The chances to reach extreme old age are much lower than previously thought, new research shows.
Research just published by a team of demographers at the social science research organization NORC at the University of Chicago contradicts a long-held belief that the mortality rate of Americans flattens out above age 80.
It also explains why there are only half as many people in the U.S. age 100 and above than the Census Bureau predicted there would be as recently as six years ago.
The research is based on a new way of accurately measuring mortality of Americans who are 80 years of age and older, an issue that has proven remarkably elusive in the past. The work will be significant in arriving at more accurate cost projections for programs such as Social Security and Medicare, which are based in part on mortality rates.
Read More: Odds of Living Very Long Life Lower Than Formerly Predicted