Political conditions and life expectancy in Europe, 1900-2008.

摘要: The rise of life expectancy in Europe has been a very uneven process, both time and space. This paper aims to identify instances which major political conditions are likely have influenced the expectancy, focusing on formation dissolution states supranational blocs differences between regimes (democratic vs. authoritarian non-communist communist rule). Data cause-specific mortality were compiled from existing data sources. Possible relations studied by direct comparisons changes countries with different but similar starting levels expectancy. We found that often went together convergence divergence respectively, otherwise did or not become part Soviet bloc had distinctly trajectories. Democratically governed higher expectancies than throughout 20th century. gap narrowed 1920 1960 due rapid catching up infectious disease control states. It widened again after earlier more progress democratic against cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, motor vehicle accidents other causes death amenable intervention. conclude history contains many temporary lasting impact population health. suggests there is scope for further in-depth studies specific determinants development health Europe.