Title

The Determinants of Mortality

Author(s)

David Cutler David Cutler (Harvard University)

Angus Deaton Angus Deaton (Princeton University)

Adriana Lleras-Muney Adriana Lleras-Muney (Princeton University)

Abstract

Mortality rates have fallen dramatically over time, starting in a few countries in the 18th century, and continuing to fall today. In just the past century, life expectancy has increased by over 30 years. At the same time, mortality rates remain much higher in poor countries, with a difference in life expectancy between rich and poor countries of also about 30 years. This difference persists despite the remarkable progress in health improvement in the last half century, at least until the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In both the time-series and the cross-section data, there is a strong correlation between income per capita and mortality rates, a correlation that also exists within countries, where richer, better-educated people live longer. We review the determinants of these patterns: over history, over countries, and across groups within countries. While there is no consensus about the causal mechanisms, we tentatively identify the application of scientific advance and technical progress (some of which is induced by income and facilitated by education) as the ultimate determinant of health. Such an explanation allows a consistent interpretation of the historical, cross-country, and within-country evidence. We downplay direct causal mechanisms running from income to health.

Creation Date

2005-12

Section URL ID

CHWB

Paper Number

48

URL

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwjFN4HbBrDBZHVHdW1PNU9PU1k/view?pref=2&pli=1

File Function

Jel

J18

Keyword(s)

Suppress

false

Series

9