Life tables are statistical tools used to summarize the mortality patterns of a population. They provide information about the likelihood of death at various ages, helping demographers and public health officials understand life expectancy and the health status of different groups. These tables typically include columns for age, the number of people alive at the start of each age interval, the number of deaths, and the probability of dying. By analyzing life tables, researchers can identify trends and make informed decisions regarding health policies and resource allocation for populations, such as children, elderly, or specific communities.