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In light of the current economic crisis, it seems paradoxical to consider the health benefits of the Great Depression of 1929-1939. But there were some interesting positive findings.
It is interesting to note that during the Great Depression, mortality rates declined in almost all categories and age groups around the world. Despite the tough economic conditions, life expectancy actually increased in most categories. In 1929, when the Great Depression began, life expectancy in North America was 57 years. At the peak of the Depression in 1934, life expectancy in North America had increased to 63 years. All major causes of death, including cardiovascular disease, lung diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and tuberculosis, diabetes, cancer, and traffic accidents, decreased significantly. The only cause of death that increased during this period was suicide, especially at the beginning of the Great Depression.
There is no denying that at that time, many people experienced economic and financial hardship, lost their jobs and livelihoods, and did not have the money or resources to maintain their standard of living.
Many of the dietary and lifestyle habits of the boom years are counterproductive to health and well-being. During the recession, many people could not afford to buy alcohol or cigarettes as often or in the same quantities as before. They could not afford to go to pubs, taverns, and other “disreputable” places. They could not afford to eat out at restaurants or other establishments. They could not afford to buy gas or drive their cars as enthusiastically as before.
Many people have had to break bad habits they picked up during the boom years that likely contributed to a decline in their health and wellbeing.
Other social factors also contributed to the improved mortality rate. People had to work and live together. People helped each other. Instead of focusing on individual profits, friends, family and extended family worked together to make ends meet. An isolated environment for the individual gave way to a better sense of community. Working together and helping each other was more advantageous than being selfish and self-centered.
Many families got resourceful. They grew gardens, canned goods, and baked bread. They made their own clothes and recycled many products. They reduced their meat and milk intake, primarily because of cost. They ate more whole foods and fewer processed foods. They often grew their own grains and cereals or bartered with those who did. Buttermilk, macaroni, and peanut butter became household staples. Hearty vegetable soups and meatloaf became family delicacies. “Use it up, wear it out, make do, or hold on” was a common motto.
It’s 2024 and things are very different. We are still recovering from the “Great Recession” of 2008. We are also recovering from the global COVID pandemic that began in 2020, which also caused an economic slowdown and temporary recession. The economy is still struggling to get back on its feet.
Instead of the tight monetary policies adopted during the Great Depression, central banks have adopted monetary expansion to keep the economy afloat. As a result, inflation is still rearing its ugly head and slowing economic recovery. Many people are feeling the economic pressure. However, unlike the Great Depression, most Western countries, including Canada and the United States, are experiencing an alarming increase in death rates, averaging 10%.
Many people mistakenly assume that the current mortality rate is a direct result of the COVID pandemic. Indeed, there were excess deaths due to COVID infection from the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 until its official end in May 2023. However, as the virus mutated during the pandemic, its transmissibility remained the same and its fatality rate certainly decreased. Nevertheless, an unexplained high level, i.e., excess mortality, remains, even if it has decreased somewhat.
Many epidemiologists believe that the high post-COVID mortality rate is due to several factors. The majority of the excess deaths are due to an increase in cardiovascular disease. The exact causes are unknown, but stress appears to be a major factor, as well as a reluctance to seek appropriate medical care. A number of lifestyle factors are also thought to be contributing factors.
Increased rates of alcohol consumption, stress-related eating patterns, and increases in smoking and other related illegal drugs are believed to be concomitant causal factors. Clearly, mortality rates have not declined after the economic downturn. The situation is bad economically, but not bad enough to quit bad habits.
One of the unique capabilities of human beings is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Despite the bad economic situation, people have adapted and changed their behavior.
I still believe in the resilience of human behavior, it just might take a little longer this time.
The information provided in this article does not constitute, nor is it intended to constitute, medical advice. All information and content is for general informational purposes only.
This article was written by or on behalf of an external columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
