Forty years of evolution of mortality in Belgium and The Netherlands.

Age adjusted mortality in Belgium (B) and The Netherlands (NL) was calculated from 5 yearly age-specific death rates between the ages 45-74 and 75-85+ years. Mortality was available in Belgium from 1954 to 1991 or 1994 (depending on the cause of death) and from 1950 to 1993 in The Netherlands. In the 45-74 years age class all-cause mortality decreased in B between 1955 and 1992 with 33% in men and 48% in women. In NL this was 11% and 40% respectively....Life expectancy in 1992 was compared in the 15 EU countries. For both sexes together B ranked 8th NL 3rd....Changes in life style--fat salt fruit and vegetable intake and smoking habits--which occurred since 1960 in B its regions and in NL are consistent with the changes in mortality and life expectancy. (EXCERPT) (SUMMARY IN FRE AND DUT)