Mortalidad del Senescente en Chile

Abstract

This article analyses the causes of death in Chileans older than 64 years of age, according to all death certificates issued in 1983. The diseases of the circulatory system are the first cause of death with a mortality rate of 2340 in 100.000. The second cause is tumours with a rate of 1019 in 100 and the third is ill- defined diseases with a rate of 669 in 100.000 old people, which is likely to be redefined with morę data. Three fourths of deaths due to diseases of the circulatory system occur in this age group, where as only a fourth occur before this age. For all death caused by tumours, 56% occur in this age group and 44% occur in younger groups, determining a considerable loss in life expectancy.