Report of the Second Workshop on Age Adjustment

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Biostatistics
• Demography

Background:

• The Second Workshop on Age Adjustment convened experts to re-evaluate the standard population used for age-adjusting mortality rates.
• This workshop followed the 1991 First Workshop on Age Adjustment, addressing evolving demographic data and statistical methodologies.
• Key participants included representatives from federal and state health agencies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Framework:

• The primary recommendation was to transition from the 1940 standard million population to a new standard based on a projected year 2000 population.
• This shift aims to improve the accuracy and relevance of age-adjusted mortality statistics.
• The workshop also addressed follow-up actions from the first workshop's recommendations.

Implementation:

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services approved the recommended change in August 1998.
• The new age adjustment standard was implemented for vital statistics data beginning with the 1999 data year.
• Dissemination of the updated standard involved presentations to state vital statistics programs and federal agencies.

Implications:

• This policy change enhances the precision of national and regional mortality comparisons over time.
• The adoption of a more current standard population improves the interpretation of public health trends related to aging populations.
• The updated methodology supports more accurate health policy development and resource allocation based on contemporary demographic realities.