Wales Excess winter deaths |
Key points
- Each year in Wales around 1,500 more people aged 65 or over die in winter months than in other months. In some years (e.g. 2008/09), the figure is much higher.
- The proportion of excess winter deaths amongst those aged 65 and over in Wales is similar to that in all of the English regions.
Graph 1: Over time
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Graph 2: Compared to England
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Definitions and data sources
The first graph shows excess winter deaths each year in the 65 and over age group.
The second graph shows how the proportion of excess winter deaths among those in the 65 and over age group in Wales compares with the regions of England.
'Excess winter deaths' is defined as the difference between the number of deaths which occurred in winter (December to March) and the average number of deaths during the preceding four months (August to November) and the subsequent four months (April to July). The 'excess winter deaths index' is calculated as excess winter deaths divided by the average non-winter deaths, expressed as a percentage. To improve its statistical reliability, the data in the second graph is the average for the latest three years.
The data source for both graphs is ONS mortality data.
Overall adequacy of the indicator: medium. Whilst the data sources used here are reliable ones, there is no data providing evidence of a direct causal relationship between winter deaths and energy inefficient housing.