May 9, 2024Scientific ReportsOpen Access

Reducing childhood mortality extends mothers’ lives

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MZMatthew N. ZippleCornell University

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Implication

Mathematical modeling reveals that twentieth-century childhood mortality declines extended female lifespan after age 15 by one year in the US, highlighting bereavement as a longevity driver.

Key Points

Reductions in childhood mortality indirectly extended female lifespan, sparing mothers the severe trauma and negative health consequences of child loss.
Approximately 1 year of mean female lifespan after age 15 was gained in the US as twentieth-century childhood mortality dropped by more than 90%.
Mathematical modeling demonstrates these historical demographic shifts, highlighting maternal bereavement as a key factor in the enduring sex gap in longevity.

Cite This Study

Matthew N. Zipple (2024) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/68e6aeb0b6db643587630637 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61217-w

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Implication

Mathematical modeling reveals that twentieth-century childhood mortality declines extended female lifespan after age 15 by one year in the US, highlighting bereavement as a longevity driver.