4 Summary and conclusions

We have discussed the global distribution of death, causes of death, the concept of the global burden of disease and its relation with the socio-economic condition of a country, the concept of social determinants of health. We also have thought about deaths which are not due to disease, for example, death due to suicide or humanitarian crisis. So what can we say about the he global future of dying and death?

• It is estimated the number of annual deaths worldwide will reach 91 million by 2050, with most growth in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs).
• Global projections indicate that the number of people aged over 80 worldwide will increase from 102 million in 2009 to 395 million in 2050.
• There are implications for developing countries of deaths associated with new infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS, multi drug resistant TB, and complex humanitarian emergencies.
• By the second half of the 21^st Century some half a billion people each year will experience the death of a person close to them.

Throughout the course we have often hinted at the social nature of death, and implied many are preventable, not just those related to war or famine or communicable diseases, but also ones like heart disease. However, at the start we also noted we all have to die sometime. Where deaths cannot be prevented – what are the ways in which care and comfort can be brought to people in their end of life? 

This short animated video [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] summarises these points, which are being examined in detail as part of a Wellcome Trust funded research project Global Interventions at the End of Life, based at the University of Glasgow.

The Glasgow End of life Studies group is comprised We are a group of dedicated researchers based at the University of Glasgow who are looking at end of life issues around the world. Our backgrounds are in medical sociology, global health policy, public health, theology, psychiatry, philosophy, nursing and palliative care. Our research has a focus on the interventions used when a person is dying. You can learn more about our research and other related courses at the End of Life Studies website. 

Now try the end-of-course quiz to consolidate your knowledge and understanding from the course. Completing the quiz is part of gaining the statement of participation and the digital badge.