There we are. January 3 is the day when the most people die in France according to an INSEE study published on October 30. By analyzing the figures over the period from 2004 to 2023, i.e. for twenty years, the National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies noted excess mortality on the third day of the year with an average number of deaths of 1,900, compared to 1,600 over the entire period, details INSEE. Still 19% more than the average.
But how can we explain this peak in mortality on January 3 compared to other days of the year? The study puts forward several more or less rational justifications. Firstly, the aftereffect of the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations combined with the desire to spend one last friendly moment with loved ones is one of the explanations given. Another argument put forward by INSEE: the desire for the most vulnerable people to do everything possible to get through the new year. This period at the beginning of January also corresponds to a resumption of scheduled surgical operations. Which mechanically increases the risk of potential death.
Gare au “Birthday effect”
Conversely, August 15 is the day when the risks of taking your last breath are slimmest. On average, 1,410 people die on this public holiday reserved for the celebration of the Assumption for Catholics around the world. This is no coincidence since, according to INSEE, deaths on public holidays are less frequent. “The deaths of August 15 are 2% lower than those which occurred on average during the 3 preceding and following days,” notes the survey. Surgical interventions, which are rarer on public holidays, may explain this drop in mortality. This is also the reason why Sunday is the least deadly day of the week, followed by Saturday. “Visits from family or friends to sick people, undoubtedly more frequent on weekends, could play a role,” try to explain the authors of the study.
Also be wary of your birthday. In many countries, the risk of dying on the day you blow out your candles and open your gifts is higher than on other days. France is not immune to what is called the “Birthday effect”. The probability of switching to the left on your birthday increases on average by 6% compared to another day. The figure reaches 21% in certain categories, particularly among men between 18 and 39 years old. Is your birthday on January 3? It's up to you to be extra vigilant to defy the statistics.
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