According to the INSEE datathis decrease is mainly linked to the reduction of deaths caused by Covid-19with around 27,000 fewer deaths attributed to this disease compared to the previous year. In addition, the absence of a flu peak in 2023 and more moderate summer mortality, despite periods of heat, also contributed to this decline.
Over the last two decades (2004-2023), data show that January 3 is the deadliest day in France, with a peak in mortality just after the end-of-year holidays. August 15, on the other hand, turns out to be the least deadly day. This contrast is partly due to the behavior of the French during this period: the desire to celebrate the holidays and spend time with family could delay the occurrence of death among people at the end of their liveswhile August 15, a summer day and public holiday, generally records fewer deaths.
This trend is also true Sundays and public holidays, where deaths are less frequent than other days of the week. In question, less recourse to medical interventions and planned carebut also an increased presence of relatives with sick people on weekends, which could indirectly play a supporting role for the most vulnerable people.
Seasonal disparities are also striking: the winter months, particularly January and February, record an excess mortality of +9% to +14% compared to the annual averagedue to the increased circulation of seasonal viruses and frequent health complications among the elderly. In summer, on the other hand, deaths among people aged 60 and over decrease by 8% to 9%, and by 14% among people aged 90 and over.. This drop in summer mortality among seniors is notable, especially since the implementation of prevention measures and surveillance systems following the 2003 heatwave. These systems aim to protect the elderly, who are particularly vulnerable to heat waves.
For young people, the trend is different. THE 1-17 year olds recorded excess mortality in July (+11%) and 18-29 year olds in June, July and August (+6% to +7%). These deaths are often linked to accidents on public roads or in places of leisure, particularly frequent during summer holidays.. Indeed, 12% of deaths of 1-17 year olds and 27% of deaths of 18-29 year olds occur on public roads or in public placescompared to only 1% for the entire population.
Moreover, “birthday syndrome” constitutes a unique phenomenon: the risk of death increases on one's own birthday, with an average increase of 6% compared to other days of the year. This phenomenon is particularly marked among young adults: for men aged 18 to 39, the risk of death on their birthday climbs from 21% to 24%. The factors explaining this “birthday effect” remain uncertain, but risky behaviors (excessive alcohol, fatigue) and psychological aspects (desire to celebrate or feeling of isolation) are often put forward.
Finally, the analysis of mortality trends by day of the week indicates that Sunday is the least deadly day, with a drop of 3% compared to the other days, while Tuesday records the most deaths. Hospital deaths decrease particularly on Sundays, probably due to fewer planned treatments and procedures. However, among young people aged 18 to 29, mortality is higher on weekends, due to road accidents and other incidents in public places.
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