This indicator measures, at the ZIP code level, the years of potential life lost when people die before age 65, expressed as a rate per 100,000 population. If a person dies at age 55, her death represents 10 years of potential life lost.
A person who dies during what should be productive years represents a loss not only to his family, but also to the wider community. Early deaths also are an indicator of pervasive public health problems that can lower productivity and quality of life.