2.1 Death and dying: The facts
In this section we will explore some global death patterns, looking at total numbers, the main causes of death and variations in the level of deaths in different places and social circumstances. As we explore these patterns we introduce key ideas developed by scholars of death and dying including ‘The Global Burden’, and the ‘Social Determinants’ that provide this course with its title ‘Global trends in death and dying’.
Now let us look at some facts about the global distribution of death.
Activity 2.1
a.
50-60 Million
b.
10-20 Million
c.
90-100 Million
d.
150-160 Million
The correct answer is a.
Answer
The answer is 56 million.
You might have guessed correctly, you may have been lower, or even higher than the estimate. The figures showed the range of peoples’ guesses and your position in that ranking.
As you looked for the number of people who die each year you probably started to think about causes of death, perhaps about your own personal or professional experience, or the ways in which death is portrayed in the media. It might be worth pausing at this point and recording those thoughts and influences.
You’ll be asked to make notes a number of times as you work through the course in your reflective log [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . Keeping a note of your reflections as you work through the course, is a useful way to place the materials in context, to embed the learning and allow space for personal or professional reflection.
The remainder of this section 2 looks at those global death figures in more detail, perhaps challenging some of your conceptions.
Activity 2.2
Before we go on to look at that in more detail we are interested in capturing your initial thoughts and ranking of the Global Top 10 causes of death.
Open the poll and select the top three causes of death in the global context.
You will be able to compare your answer with others. Then click the link below to move onto 2.2 Your 'Global Top 10'.
2 Patterns in death and dying