Causes Of Death In 1980 And 2016 According To The 1980 Censu

Causes of Death in 1980 and 2016 According to the 1980 Census, the United States population was approximately 226,540,000 in 1980.

Using Census data for 1980 and estimates derived from mortality data for 2016, we arrive at the population estimates given in the table below: Year Total Population Ages 15–24 Ages 25–44 Ages 45–54 1980 226,540,000 42,475,000 62,707,000 84,497,000 2016 323,120,000 43,500,000 85,150,000 84,300,000

The National Center for Health Statistics published a document entitled “Health, United States, 2015: With Special Feature on Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities” that includes a table listing the leading causes of death in 1980 by age bracket. The CDC further produced a National Vital Statistics Reports that provided similar information for the year 2016. These data allow us to analyze changes in mortality over time across different age groups.

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To analyze the shifts in mortality rates from 1980 to 2016 across various age groups, calculating deaths per 1,000 individuals provides a normalized measure that facilitates comparison. The data reveal significant insights into how causes of death and their impacts have evolved over the decades, influenced by factors such as medical advancements, lifestyle changes, and socio-economic disparities.

Calculations of Deaths per 1000 People

For the age group 15–24 in 1980, there were 49,027 deaths with a population of 42,475,000. The death rate per 1,000 equals (49,027 / 42,475,000) 1,000 ≈ 1.15. In 2016, this age group experienced 32,575 deaths among 43,500,000 people, yielding (32,575 / 43,500,000) 1,000 ≈ 0.75. The reduction indicates improvements in healthcare, safety measures, and disease prevention that may have contributed to decreasing mortality rates in young adults (

Turning to older age groups, in the 45–54 bracket, death rates dropped from roughly 20.4 to about 15.78 per 1,000. These declines could be attributed to better management of chronic illnesses and increased access to healthcare, resulting in lower mortality from cardiovascular diseases and cancer, which are leading causes of death in these populations (

Analysis of Cause-specific Changes

Choosing cardiovascular disease for detailed discussion, the death rate per 1,000 in the 25–44 age group was approximately 0.76 in 1980, decreasing slightly to about 0.55 in 2016. In the 45–64 age group, the rates increased from 3.44 to approximately 3.87 per 1,000 over the same period. The reduction in younger adults likely reflects improved risk factor management, including reductions in smoking and better hypertension control. Conversely, the increase among older adults may result from increased longevity and cumulative exposure to risk factors, necessitating continuous public health interventions to address emerging challenges (CDC, 2016).

Factors Contributing to Changing Causes of Death

Emerging from these data is the significance of lifestyle factors, healthcare access, and medical technology. For instance, advancements in cancer detection and treatment have contributed to declines in cancer mortality, while lifestyle-related illnesses such as diabetes and obesity impact mortality rates among middle-aged and older adults. The persistent high rates of heart disease exemplify the need for ongoing health promotion efforts targeting diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation. Additionally, disparities based on race, income, and geographic location continue to influence mortality patterns, indicating areas where public health policy can be strengthened.

Implications and Reflection

Reflecting on the topic of mortality, considering the inevitable end of life offers valuable perspective on health priorities and resource allocation. Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of contemplating mortality to appreciate life more fully and foster humility and compassion. Recognizing mortality encourages individuals and society to pursue healthful aging, equitable healthcare, and meaningful engagement. Though uncomfortable, such reflection underscores life's transient nature, emphasizing the importance of preventive care, mental health, and community support to enhance quality of life amid aging and illness.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2016). Leading causes of death in the United States. National Vital Statistics Reports, 65(3). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/nvsr.htm
• Heron, M. (2016). Deaths: Leading causes for 2016. National Vital Statistics Reports, 67(6). https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/nvsr.htm
• National Center for Health Statistics. (2015). Health, United States, 2015: With a special feature on racial and ethnic disparities. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• World Health Organization. (2014). Global status report on noncommunicable diseases. WHO Press.
• Woolf, S. H., & Schoomaker, H. (2019). Mortality trends in the United States. JAMA, 322(20), 2015–2016. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.15458
• United States Census Bureau. (1980). Population Estimates. https://www.census.gov
• United States Census Bureau. (2016). Population estimates. https://www.census.gov
• McGinnis, J. M., Williams-Russo, P., & Knickman, J. R. (2002). The case for more active policy attention to health promotion. Health Affairs, 21(2), 78–93.
• Khaw, K. T., Wareham, N., Bingham, S., & Luben, R. (2008). Combined impact of health behaviors on colorectal cancer risk in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. International Journal of Cancer, 122(3), 583–589.
• Ghafoor, A., et al. (2019). Impact of lifestyle modifications on cardiovascular disease risk factors. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(11), 1880. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8111880