Thesis (M.S.) -- Brigham Young University. Dept. of Statistics, 2000. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-120).

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of History. / Bibliography: leaves [156]-162.

Thesis (M.A.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of History. / Electronic thesis. Bibliography: leaves [156]-162. Also available in print ed.

This research estimates the life expectancy of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Utah. We create gender-specific life tables for four groups: total Utah, active LDS, less-active LDS, and non-LDS. Male life tables are based on data from 1991-1995; female life tables are based on data from 1994-1998. Life expectancy at birth is 75 years for all utah males, 79.8 years for active LDS Utah males, 71.6 years for less active LDS Utah males, and 71.5 years for non-LDS Utah males. Female life expectancy at birth is 80.4 years for all Utah females, 83.9 years for active LDS Utah females, 77.7 years for less-active LDS Utah females, and 77.4 years for non-LDS utah females. Results from this research can be useful to health policy makers and in the allocation of health resources. If it is indeed true that a large portion of the life expectancy gains in the active LDS group is attributable to adherence to a health code, then this information can be used when designing and evaluating health intervention programs.

This study paints a picture of prevalent attitudes toward the Mormon elderly in the nineteenth century. It identifies some characteristics of the aged population, and discusses feelings expressed by individual older persons about different aspects of their lives. It is a first step in gaining a greater understanding of how they fit into the larger pictures of old age and the Mormon Church in nineteenth century America.