Cohort mortality in Sweden (pdf)

Cohort mortality in Sweden Mortality trends in more detail from 18615. Mortality trends in more detailfrom 1861From As of 1861 onwards, it is possible to present morality rates forevery calendar year in one-year age categories. Figures 5.1 and 5.2give an overview of mortality trends for women and men for 1861 to2008. For the sake of clarity, only every fifth age from 10 to 105 hasbeen presented. The mortality rates are presented in a logarithmicscale where the slope on the curve shows the rate of change inof themortality rate. The rate of change can be compared among ages aswell as over time.During the latter part of the 19th century the mortality rate droppedthe fastest among young people. This was mainly because there wasa reduced risk of dying from an infectious, respiratory or deficiencydisease (Liv och hälsa, 1979). Around the turn of the century thisdownturn slowed down somewhat. After the mortality ratedecreased at the same rate for women and men, a break in the trendoccurred in the 1940s. The mortality rate for women then began todrop more rapidly than for men. The development after 1940 hasimplied a decrease in mortality for chronic diseases also. Thisoccurred first among women but then around 1980 also for men. Formen over 50, the mortality rate was unchanged up until around 1980when it began to drop more rapidly. Among middle-aged men, theperiod from 1960 to 1980 is characterized by rising mortality, whilefor women during the same period the rapid downturn in mortalityslowed down. Increased mortality fromin heart disease and cancerapplied to men. Women had a weak tendency to increased mortalitydue to circulatory disorders and increased lung cancer (Livslängdeni Sverige 2001–2005).Since 1980 mortality has decreased for both men and women. Thequickest downturn of the mortality rate during this period has beennoted for men. Changes in lifestyle are one probable cause for thistrend. A contributing factor to the falling mortality rates is a drop inthe proportion of daily smokers among men. In addition, peoplehave a greater understanding of the importance of lifestyle withregards toconcerning their health.Statistics Sweden 27