Distortion of regional old-age mortality rates due to migration in the period prior to death in the Netherlands?

BACKGROUND Regional mortality differences are an important public health indicator and can serve as the basis for population forecasts and local planning. Health-related migration at old age may distort observed regional mortality. OBJECTIVE We assess whether internal migration in late life has the potential for distortion of regional old-age mortality rates and differences therein. METHODS Using data from the Dutch population register we analyzed migration and death rates in the population aged 80+ across the Dutch NUTS 2 regions, NUTS 3 regions and municipalities in the years 2002-2006. Obse... Mehr ...