CHANGING CAUSES OF DEATH OF ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE UNITED-STATES, 1950-1990

Background: Causes of death have changed greatly in the United States during the 20th century. Objective: To detail these changes in elderly people during 1950-1990. Methods: The source of data was 'Vital Stati stics of the United States' for the years discussed. Mortality rates f or several causes were calculated for the 85-89 age group, and the per centage of deaths attributed to several causes was calculated. Results :There are large peaks about 1970 in both the mortality rate of ischem ic heart disease and the percentage of total deaths attributed to this cause. The peaks have been followed by declines. Death rates from can cer and the percent of deaths attributed to cancer have increased duri ng 1950-1990. Conclusions: The above changes coincide with major chang es in medical science and care, the identification of the risk factors predisposing to ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular diseases, and the implementation of Medicare, a program of health care benefits to all people 65 and over that is supported by the United States gover nment.