Mortality trends in Belgium and the Netherlands

Mean life expectancy at birth (1967-1992) increased for both sexes combined wi Age adjusted mortality from all causes and cardiovascular diseases has been followed up from 1968 onwards to 1989 in Belgium and The Netherlands and in Flanders and Wallonia from 1971 to 1989 for each sex and two age classes, 45-74 y and 75-85+ y. Flanders and Wallonia were selected because of differences in mortality and life-style. Total mortality decreased faster in Belgium especially in the period 1980-89, for almost all comparisons in each sex and age class and for most cardiovascular diseases. A comparison of mortality trends in the period 1980-89 among 35 countries worldwide showed a better performance in Belgium than in The Netherlands for 10 different causes of death. The mortality gap between both countries is closing, especially between The Netherlands and Flanders. The decreasing slope in mortality from all causes is explained mostly by the change in cardiovascular mortality. Medical treatment and care, which are nor better in Belgium, do not explain the differences in mortality trends Observed changes in life-style, including saturated and polyunsaturated fat intake, smoking habits and salt intake are consistent with the observed mortality changes.