Old-age mortality from external causes of death in Russia

Abstract

Russia’s age-specific mortality pattern due to external causes differs substantially from those observed in other developed countries. One of its distinctive features is rather low mortality at older ages. A comparison of mortality rates due to certain groups of causes falling into the category of “External causes of morbidity and mortality” shows that low mortality due to external causes at older ages in Russia is the result of specific coding practices for fall-related deaths. Mortality due to other groups of external causes in Russia, however, is high compared to other countries.

Mortality due to external causes at older ages has specific features that distinguish it from younger age groups. This manifests itself both in significant changes of the mortality structure within the category of “External causes of morbidity and mortality” appearing with age and in risk factors specific to the elderly population.

This article presents a brief analysis of elderly mortality in Russia due to certain groups of external causes, a study of current trends and a comparison with some other developed countries. The analysis concerned two age groups: 60-74 years and 75 years and older. This made it possible to identify specific characteristics of mortality due to external causes separately for the young and older elderly.