OBJECTIVE:
to describe elderly mortality from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and neoplasms in Marilia (SP).
METHODS:
this is a descriptive study of mortality from three diseases as defined by the 10th International Classification of Diseases, between 1998-2000 and 2005-2007. Mortality Information System records were used. Mortality rates by age and sex were calculated.
RESULTS:
circulatory diseases were the main causes of death among the elderly (39.25%). Neoplasm decline was noticed in both sexes and in those aged 60-69, particularly prostate cancer in men (-83.86%) and breast cancer (-70.96%) in this age group. Deaths from respiratory diseases increased in patients aged 80 and older: 39.31% in men and 57.92% in women.
CONCLUSION:
mortality from circulatory diseases and neoplasms among the elderly showed a decline, with increased mortality from respiratory system problems in patients 80 years of age and older.
Chronic Disease; Mortality; Health of the Elderly