Mortality

The ultimate developmental outcome of interest, and final end point, is mortality. Although death occurs on average in the late 70s for most adults in North America, death can occur at any time. Thus, a developmental approach is needed to study longevity given that different mortality risks confront individuals across developmental periods from childhood to older adulthood. Childhood socioeconomic status and education levels, cardiovascular fitness, social support, and living arrangements are just a few of the relevant influences on mortality risk. This entry focuses on developmental influences on mortality by exploring the various biological, physical, cognitive, psychological, socioemotional, and contextual predictors of mortality across the life span.