Progress in reducing mortality among persons 65 to 74 years of age in Wisconsin.

OBJECTIVES: To assess progress in reducing mortality between 1980 and 1999 among Wisconsin residents aged 65-74, to identify disparities, and to propose future goals. METHODS: Mortality rates for 1980-1984 were compared to those from 1995-1999 using data obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database. Percent change in rates were calculated and projected to 2010, and annual numbers of lives saved were estimated. RESULTS: The mortality rate for persons aged 65-74 has decreased 12.4%-17.5% in men and 6.3% in women. However, no reductions were observed for blacks. An estimated 1325 fewer deaths occur each year, with white men accounting for >80% of these savings. Mortality rates decreased for heart disease (-38%) and stroke (-26%), but increased for cancer (+6%). CONCLUSIONS: Significant progress has been made in reducing mortality among Wisconsin residents aged 65-74, but not among blacks. Most of the progress is due to decreased deaths from heart disease and stroke, particularly for white men.