RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Introduction: The Determinants of Mortality
JF Journal of Human Resources
JO J Hum Resour
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 2026SI-determinants-of-mortality
DO 10.3368/jhr.2026SI-determinants-of-mortality
A1 Cutler, David
A1 Lleras-Muney, Adriana
YR 2026
UL http://jhr.uwpress.org/content/early/2026/02/03/jhr.2026SI-determinants-of-mortality.abstract
AB In most of the world, life expectancy rose dramatically between 1750 and 2000, from roughly 30 to more than 70 years. Rising caloric intake and incomes contributed to the earliest gains, while later improvements stemmed from public health developments, including updated modern sanitation systems, vaccination, and antibiotics. However, not all populations improved in health equally. Life expectancy rose much more in high-income countries than in low-income ones, and within countries, more so for the high-income than low-income individuals. Even within countries with low average mortality risk, factors such as income, education, and race predict how long an individual will live.