Question

Compare the most likely cause of death for an individual born in 1900 and an individual born in 2006.

Answer 1

In 1900, communicable diseases, like pneumonia, TB, influenza, chicken pox, and polio, were the most common causes of death. However, with the development of medicine, and vaccines, now In 2006, lifestyle diseases, like cancer, heart disease, and stroke, were the most common causes of death.

Answer 2

In 1900 medical treatments were still very precarious and primitive, making illnesses much worse than they are today. At that time, death from respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, colds and flu were the main causes observed. In addition to primitive medical treatments, these diseases had a very strong influence on the lives of patients, due to the deficiency in hygiene habits both in hospitals and in the contact between citizens.

Over time these diseases became lesser threats, however, other diseases arose due to the lifestyle of the modern population. In 2006, heart disease was the main cause of death. These diseases are influenced by poor diet and physical inactivity developed by modern and globalized society.