DEATH RATE IN AMERICA

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27193, 10 November 1953, Page 9

DEATH RATE IN AMERICA

HEALTH OF MALES OVER 45 “PACE OF LIVING” HELD RESPONSIBLE (Froih a Reuter Correspondent) SAN FRANCISCO. The average male in the United States “has almost completed the job of killing himself’ when he reached the age of 45. That is the conclusion to be drawn from figures presented to the annual meeting of the Gerontological Society here by Dt. Lester Breslow, of the California Department of Public Health. “Few people seem to know,” he said, “that the health of white American males in every age bracket over 45 compares unfavourably with that of men in at least' five other countries.” Male citizens who have a better chance than the United States male of living beyond the age of 45 are citizens of Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands, Few Zealand and Canada, Dr. Breslow reported. The death rate for the age brackets of 45 in the United States is 25 to 50 per cent, higher than it is in those countries. The trend began tb develop in 1920 and shows no indication of changing at the present time.

The major causes bf this increase in the death rate, according to Dr. Breslow, are the increase in diseases of the heart, blood vessels and kidneys. He believes that the pace of living indulged in bv the United States male is responsible for the breakdown of his vital physical equipment and causes his death.

He suggested that the United States male who wishes to live beyond 45 should slow down in his activity, watch his diet, and curb his emotional tensions. .These suggestions were among the many made during the meeting of medical men who are devoting their attention to the problems of old age. ♦

Mr H. R. Hall of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts, formerly associated with the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration, suggested the following do’s and dont’s for those about to retire: 1. If you have been saving books to read because you have always wanted to read them but never had the time, forget about them. The chances are you just do not want to read them. 2. Do not plan your retirement activities without consulting your wife.

3. Plan to develop your active life hobbies but do not depend on them entirely. 1 4. Plan to live actively, mentally and physically, but space your desires. 5. Do not plan retirement activities that you. cannnot afford. In budgeting I. for the first years of retirement, allow a little margin to permit a gradual cutback in your standard of living—because its going to be reduced. The latest use for isotopes is to measure the age and health of arteries ol the aged. This system will permit early detection of hardening of the arteries and perhaps reveal warnings of impending heart attacks and apoplectic strokes.