From 2004 to 2023, January 3 “was the deadliest day” of the year with an average number of deaths of 1,900 compared to 1,600 over the entire period.
Archive and illustration photo Valérie Farine
From 2004 to 2023, January 3 “was the deadliest day” of the year with an average number of deaths of 1,900 compared to 1,600 over the entire period, specifies the national institute of statistics and economic studies.
For INSEE, this peak on January 3 could “in part“explained by the desire to spend the end of year holidays”with loved ones as well as that of reaching a new year” which could delay the occurrence of death of people at the end of life.
Conversely, August 15 is the least deadly day of the year – with 1,410 daily deaths on average, or 12% less compared to the entire period. The institute observed that on average deaths on public holidays were less frequent, particularly those in hospital due to less frequent treatment on these usual days of rest.
“Birthday syndrome”
Another point noted in the study is that the risk of dying is higher on your birthday, especially for men aged 18 to 39. This “birthday syndrome” is not specific to France and has been observed in other countries such as Switzerland or the United States.
Among the hypotheses put forward, that linked to excesses (alcohol, fatigue due to the party, etc.) causing an increase in road accidents, falls or cardiovascular accidents on the big day.
This symbolic date would also be likely to exacerbate a feeling of sadness or loneliness in certain people. In Japan, the risk of suicide increases on the day of one's birthday, reports INSEE in a study published before All Saints' Day when the deceased are massively celebrated, and on All Souls' Day (November 2) in the Catholic tradition.
More generally, the number of deaths in France decreased in 2023 – 639,300, or 35,900 fewer over one year – after a peak reached in 2022, “year marked by five waves of Covid-19, two episodes of flu and periods of extreme heat.”
The number of deaths, however, remains 4% higher than the pre-pandemic level of 2019, notes INSEE, due to the aging of the population and a slower increase in life expectancy for both men and women. women.
