The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations often assess the health of a nation through various indicators, including mortality rates at different age points. The three age categories you've mentioned are commonly used to analyze health outcomes:
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Under 14 years: This age group typically represents children and adolescents. High mortality rates in this group can indicate issues such as maternal health, access to healthcare, nutrition, infectious diseases, and child protective services.
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Between 14 and 65 years: This range captures the working-age population and reflects a country's economic stability, access to healthcare, lifestyle factors, and disease prevalence. Mortality in this group might be affected by factors like occupational hazards, lifestyle diseases (like heart disease and diabetes), and mental health issues.
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Over 65 years: This cohort represents elderly individuals who may face age-related health challenges. Mortality rates here can shed light on the adequacy of healthcare systems, the prevalence of chronic diseases, access to geriatric care, and overall living conditions for older adults.
When evaluating a nation's health, looking at mortality rates across these three age groups helps create a comprehensive picture of public health issues and socio-economic factors that influence health outcomes. Such data can guide policymakers in targeting health interventions and allocating resources effectively.