A new analysis of United Nations mortality statistics

Demographic data published by the United Nations in 1987 are analysed in terms of the Gompertz function. Projections for maximum life spans are obtained, with the data broadly divisible into three clusters. These are attributable not only to the influence of high infant mortality, but suggest also constitutional and/or environmental variations among members of the clusters. The difference between life span and life expectancy is estimated analytically. A comparison with an earlier analysis supports the view that there are important differences between the life expectancies of the sexes.