Mortality falls to lowest level so far this year
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Mortality has fallen to its lowest level in the first three quarters of 2026 as fewer people died from flu, pneumonia and Covid-19, the Continuous Mortality Investigation has found. Death rates are down 6% to 10% for all age groups over the past three years.
Mortality to 25 September was lower for both women and men than in the first three quarters of any earlier year, albeit similar to 2025, the CMI said on Wednesday. Over the past three years, mortality has fallen by 6% to 10% for all age groups.
Fewer deaths were registered as being due to influenza or pneumonia in the first nine months of 2026, at about 54,900, compared with 62,900 to 67,500 seen in the first three quarters of 2023 to 2025. About 900 deaths involved Covid-19 this year – significantly lower than the 13,600, 7,600 and 3,200 in the first three quarters of 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Fewer deaths were registered as being due to influenza or pneumonia in the first nine months of 2026, at about 54,900, compared with 62,900 to 67,500 seen in the first three quarters of 2023 to 2025. About 900 deaths involved Covid-19 this year – significantly lower than the 13,600, 7,600 and 3,200 in the first three quarters of 2023, 2024 and 2025, respectively.
“Despite increases in deaths seen during the summer heatwaves, mortality across Q3 was at a similarly low level to last year," said Steve Bale, who chairs the CMI Mortality Projections Committee.
In this year's May and June heatwaves, there were about 2,877 heat-related deaths. Historically, more deaths were associated with the coldest temperatures than the hottest, but the gap between deaths linked to heat and those associated with cold weather is narrowing, according to the Office for National Statistics. Last week, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority called on insurers and pension funds to prepare for more heat-related deaths and sickness.
In this year's May and June heatwaves, there were about 2,877 heat-related deaths. Historically, more deaths were associated with the coldest temperatures than the hottest, but the gap between deaths linked to heat and those associated with cold weather is narrowing, according to the Office for National Statistics. Last week, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority called on insurers and pension funds to prepare for more heat-related deaths and sickness.
Bale noted that while mortality is at record low levels, "the exception is young males, whose mortality is still around 1% higher than was seen in 2012.”
The rise in mortality of younger men started before the pandemic, with leading causes of death including suicide, accidents, heart disease, cancer and liver disease.
To improve men's life expectancy, in November last year, the Department of Health and Social Care published England’s first men’s health strategy. Planned actions span research, awareness campaigns and community initiatives among others.
The rise in mortality of younger men started before the pandemic, with leading causes of death including suicide, accidents, heart disease, cancer and liver disease.
To improve men's life expectancy, in November last year, the Department of Health and Social Care published England’s first men’s health strategy. Planned actions span research, awareness campaigns and community initiatives among others.
