DEATH: The Facts

It might come as a shock-but believe it or not, we all die. You know the old saying: “there’s nothing for certain except death and taxes”. Yet for some reason, death and dying are taboo subjects that many of us-yes-even doctors do not feel comfortable talking about.

United States

In 2021, the US had a population of 332 million people. That same year 3,464,231 people died. (CDC.gov)

The average life expectancy in the US was 73.5 years for men and 79.3 years for women. Some people, like Blacks, American Indian and Native Alaskans have a lower life-expectancy. If you’ve reached 65 years old, your average life-expectancy is around 18 years. Average means some will live a shorter time and others may live longer. 

As of 2021, the leading causes of death were heart disease, cancer, and Covid-19. Other causes in the top 10 were unintentional injuries, stroke, lung disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, liver disease and kidney disease. 

Most of us will experience a chronic, sometimes debilitating illness prior to death. Very few of us will die suddenly. And about 30% (2017) of us will die at. home, even though many more would prefer being home.

European Union

In 2021, the EU had around 448 million people. That same year average life expectancy was just over 80 years. Women can expect to live around 5 years longer than men. People living in parts of Spain, Italy, France, and Sweden lived longer. Approximately 84% of deaths occurred in those  65 years  and older.

Major causes of death in the EU in 2021 were circulatory diseases (like heart disease), cancer, and Covid-19. Other causes were respiratory disease, external causes, diseases of the digestive, nervous, endocrine, and nutritional systems, and mental and behavioral disorders.

Again, most experienced a chronic, sometimes debilitating illness prior to death.