673,190 people died in 2022, reveals a study by Public Health France, Drees and Inserm. 50.2% were women, and 49.8% were men. Of all the people who died, 47% were over 85 years old. 14.8% before the age of 65, but these premature deaths concerned much more men (19.5% of male deaths) than women (10% of female deaths). The average age at death was 79.4 years in 2022 compared to 79.1 years in 2021.
Four questions about the results of this study.
1. What diseases do the French die from?
In 2022, we die first from diseases. 171,630 deaths (25.5%) were linked to a tumor. It is the leading cause of death in France. More than half of these people with cancer were between 65 and 84 years old. These were mainly tumors of the lung, bronchi and trachea; colorectal tumors; and breast tumors. Cardiovascular diseases (140,173 deaths) were the second cause of death, but the first among those over 85.
Third cause of death: “ill-defined symptoms and morbid conditions” (75,453 people). This includes, in particular, sudden infant death, or deaths whose cause remains unknown. Fourth cause of death: diseases of the respiratory system (45,071) which have increased significantly, particularly due to the flu.
2. What is the cause of Covid?
Researchers also note significant increases in mortality linked to endocrine diseases, diseases of the digestive system, and genitourinary diseases, already apparent in 2021. “They could be linked to effects induced by the epidemic and which persist (delay in care, difficulties in accessing care, changes in behavior, or even in the provision of care)”they indicate.
2022 is a year in which Covid is declining, but it is still responsible for an excess of 54,000 deaths from all causes compared to the number expected in the absence of epidemics or other unusual events.
3. And apart from medical problems?
44,800 people died from something other than a medical problem (6.7% of deaths). 71.7% of these people lost their lives in an accident (road accident, fall, drowning). This figure increases sharply among older people. 9,200 people committed suicide: men in three-quarters of the cases, almost half of whom were under 65 years old.
Researchers also highlight the increase in the suicide mortality rate of young women aged 19 or younger since 2020. “This may be linked to the observation of a significant deterioration in mental health for certain young women and adolescents, as evidenced by the sharp increase in the number of young women hospitalized for self-inflicted acts observed since 2020 and the increase in anxiety syndromes. depressive”.
4. Where and when do we die?
Even if their share is decreasing, most of the deceased died in the hospital (42.1%) or in the clinic (10.7%). The French would prefer to die at home, but there were only 23.4% in this case in 2022. A figure however on the rise, and an increase which has been confirmed since the health crisis. Also increases the number of people who die in accommodation establishments for dependent elderly people, nursing homes (20.4%).
Finally, there is always a seasonality of death: all causes combined, more people die in December and January.
