The Determinants of Mortality

50 Pages Posted: 23 Jan 2006 Last revised: 10 Sep 2022

See all articles by David M. Cutler

David M. Cutler

Harvard University - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); Harvard University - Harvard Kennedy School (HKS)

Angus Deaton

Princeton University; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Adriana Lleras-Muney

Princeton University - Princeton School of Public and International Affairs; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: January 2006

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.

Suggested Citation

Cutler, David M. and Deaton, Angus S. and Lleras-Muney, Adriana, The Determinants of Mortality (January 2006). NBER Working Paper No. w11963, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=877468

David M. Cutler (Contact Author)

Harvard University - Department of Economics ( email )

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Angus S. Deaton

Princeton University ( email )

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Adriana Lleras-Muney

Princeton University - Princeton School of Public and International Affairs ( email )

Princeton University
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United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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