US Death Rates

From the same article in the previous post about US demographics in 2007:

Age adjusted death rates (death per 1000) over time

1915 21.7
1950 14.5
1980 10.4
1990 9.4
2000 8.7
2006 7.8
2007 7.6

So age-adjusted mortality has improved by

13% since 2000
19% since 1990
27% since 1980
47% since 1950
69% since 1915

I think those first 3 numbers are eye opening. Some combination of healthier living (e.g. less smoking) and better health care are really making a difference. Perhaps we are getting a better deal for the 1/7 or whatever it is of GDP we are spending on it.