Abstract

Journal of Actuarial Practice

Volume 5, Number 2, 1997


Comments on Some Parametric Survival Models

Kam C. Yuen

Abstract

Parametric models for the entire age pattern of mortality have been suggested by Heligman and Pollard (1980) and Carriere (1992). The former is designed to fit the classical mortality pattern while the latter is supported by a statistical theory. Insights into their papers motivate us to consider a variation of the Heligman-Pollard model. We also apply these models to the 1993 Hong Kong Assured Lives Mortality Tables as well as the 1991 Hong Kong Female Life Table. This paper is not intended to construct a better parametric model for mortality tables; the main purpose is simply to provide insights into the potential of these models.

Key words and phrases: Inverse-Weibull, Inverse-Gompertz, Gompertz, Weibull, mortality

Kam C. Yuen
Department of Statistics,
The University of Hong Kong,
Pokfulam Road,
HONG KONG

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