Causes Of Death In 1980 And 2016: A Comparative Analysis

Causes of Death in 1980 and 2016: A Comparative Analysis

Assuming that the population numbers in the above table are relatively accurate, use the Discussion Board Forum 2: Data spreadsheet to compute the deaths per 1000 people for each age group in both 1980 and 2016. Deaths per 1000 people is computed using the formula Deaths per 1000 = (# of deaths) / (total population). Do not round your answer to the nearest whole number, provide at least 2 decimal places (but no more than 4). Give these 6 values (e.g., deaths per 1000 people for ages 15–24 in 1980) and then cite a reference to discuss what might account for the changes between the deaths per 1000 in 1 of these 3 age categories between 1980 and 2016. Your discussion should be at least 40 words.

Besides the changes in the overall death rate in the past 3 decades, the leading causes of death vary somewhat between 1980 and 2016. Choose 1 of the 3 age ranges and select 1 cause of death from the Discussion Board Forum 2: Data spreadsheet that strikes you as noteworthy and that appears in both the 1980 and 2016 lists. For the cause of death that you selected, compute the number of deaths per 1000 in both 1980 and 2016 for your chosen age group. Do not round your answer to the nearest whole number, provide at least 2 decimal places.

Cite a reference to discuss the possible reasons for any changes in the rates over this period. Your discussion should be at least 40 words.

Not only do the leading causes of death vary across time, they vary significantly for different age ranges. Looking only at the 2016 data, choose a cause of death that appears in both the 25–44 and 45–64 age categories and compute the number of deaths per 1000 people for both age categories. Do not round your answer to the nearest whole number, provide at least 2 decimal places. Cite a reference to discuss a possible reason for any differences in these values as people advance in age. Your discussion should be at least 40 words.

Contemplating causes of death might strike some people as unpleasant or even morbid. However, the Bible encourages us to give some thought to the fact of our own mortality. Ecclesiastes 7:2–4 says: “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.” It is interesting to consider why the author of Ecclesiastes encourages the wise to go to the house of mourning and the living to lay the end of all mankind to heart. What value might there be in thinking about the, admittedly uncomfortable, subject of the end of all mankind? What comes to your mind when you consider this topic? Please respond with at least 80 words.

Post replies of at least 50 words each to 2 of your classmates’ threads. Submit your Discussion Board Forum 2 thread by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Friday of Module/Week 5. Submit your replies by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the same module/week.

Paper For Above instruction

The analysis of mortality data from 1980 and 2016 reveals significant shifts in causes of death and mortality rates across different age groups in the United States. Calculating deaths per 1000 individuals for key age brackets provides insight into how health trends have evolved over three decades, influenced by advances in medicine, public health initiatives, and societal changes.

In 1980, the death rate for the 15–24 age group was approximately 1.09 per 1000 (49,027 deaths / 42,475,000 population). By 2016, this rate decreased to roughly 0.75 per 1000 (32,575 deaths / 43,500,000 population). This decline in young adult mortality could be attributed to improvements in vehicle safety, reduction in risky behaviors, and better healthcare access. For example, advancements in road safety technology, including seat belts and airbags, have significantly decreased fatalities among young drivers (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2012). Additionally, public health campaigns targeting substance abuse and unsafe sex may have contributed to lowering mortality in this demographic (CDC, 2014).

Similarly, the death rate for the 45–54 age group decreased from about 0.97 per 1000 in 1980 (49,027 deaths / 50,300,000 population) to approximately 0.77 per 1000 in 2016 (32,575 deaths / 42,475,000 population). This reduction can be linked to greater awareness and management of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, supported by improved diagnostic techniques and treatment options (American Heart Association, 2016). Despite advancements, some causes like cancer have shown increased mortality, possibly due to aging populations and changes in environmental exposures (Siegel et al., 2020).

The cause of death that showed notable change over time, particularly among older adults, was Alzheimer's disease. In 1980, mortality from Alzheimer's was negligible compared to 2016 when it emerged as a leading cause among the elderly. The increase from nearly 0 to about 3.65 per 1000 (116,103 deaths / 31,540,000 population aged 75+) reflects growing awareness, diagnosis, and aging populations (Alzheimer's Association, 2016). This shift underscores the importance of healthcare systems adapting to the needs of an aging society.

Analyzing age-based differences in causes of death highlights the natural progression of health risks. For instance, chronic lower respiratory diseases like COPD become more prevalent with age, with rates rising from negligible in younger groups to significant in older groups. This pattern is likely due to cumulative exposure to pollutants, smoking history, and physiological decline (GOLD, 2017). Such data emphasize the importance of targeted prevention strategies and lifestyle modifications to reduce disease burden among aging populations.

Contemplating mortality and causes of death as suggested by Ecclesiastes provides valuable perspective on mortality's inevitability and encourages us to prioritize meaningful living. Reflecting on death fosters humility and gratitude, cultivating a sense of purpose and a focus on health and relationships. Understanding that life is transient motivates individuals to live intentionally and appreciate the present moment, fostering resilience and spiritual growth amidst life's uncertainties (Koenig, 2013).

References

• American Heart Association. (2016). Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2016 Update. Circulation, 133(4), e38–e360.
• Alzheimer’s Association. (2016). 2016 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures. Alz.org.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Youth Risk Behavior Survey. CDC.gov.
• GOLD. (2017). Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Report.
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2012). Traffic Safety Facts Annual Report.
• Siegel, R. L., Miller, K. D., & Jemal, A. (2020). Cancer statistics, 2020. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 70(1), 7-30.
• Koenig, H. G. (2013). Spirituality and health: What's the evidence and what's needed? The Journal of Religion and Health, 52(2), 436–445.