Q&A for Internet Research

Q&A for Internet Research

What are the leading causes of death for people that have lived to an old age?

The following is a quote from an article found on the Internet titled Changing Causes of Death of Elderly People in the United States, 1950-1990 by David W.E. Smith

“There are large peaks about 1970 in both the mortality rate of ischemic heart disease and the percentage of total deaths attributed to this cause. The peaks have been followed by declines. Death rates from cancer and the percent of deaths attributed to cancer have increased during 1950-1990.”

Now, dated within the said 40-year range this article is clearly a little old. But I think it represents how development in medical research as well as developing knowledge about health and nutrition has to some extent has changed people’s behavior in the areas causing these problems – for worse and better. The rates fluctuated as a result.