Variations in the pace of old-age mortality decline in seven European countries, 1950–1999: the role of smoking and other factors earlier in life

Fanny Janssen (), Anton Kunst and Johan Mackenbach
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Fanny Janssen: University of Groningen
Anton Kunst: Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam
Johan Mackenbach: Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam

European Journal of Population, 2007, vol. 23, issue 2, No 3, 188 pages

Abstract: Abstract We examine the variations in the pace of old-age (80+) mortality decline in seven European countries, from 1950 to 1999. Marked variations were found between countries, periods and sexes. While mortality declines were strong in France and England and Wales, modest or no mortality declines were seen in the 1950s and 1960s in the Nordic countries, and since the 1980s in Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway (men only). For non-smoking-related mortality, a high and consistent pace of mortality decline was observed. Mortality decline stagnated among men born between 1890 and 1899, but persisted among women born between 1847 and 1937. The pace of old-age mortality decline correlated with the pace of mortality decline at ages 60–69 among the same cohorts, but only among men and not for non-smoking-related mortality. Smoking, thus, seems more important than other factors originating earlier in life. Our results furthermore indicate substantial future declines in old-age mortality.

Keywords: Elderly; Europe; Smoking; Life-course perspective; Cohort; Mortality; Personnes âgées; Europe; Tabac; Perspective biographique; Cohorte; Mortalité (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2007
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10680-007-9119-5

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