There was a 10% fall in the number of people who died during winter last year, according to new figures from National Records of Scotland.
There were 21,983 deaths registered between December 2023 and March 2024. Ten percent fewer than the previous winter which had the highest number in 30 years.
Compared to the non-winter months either side, the seasonal increase was 1,796 deaths. This is much lower than the previous winter which saw a seasonal increase in deaths from flu and other respiratory conditions. This is the third lowest seasonal increase in the last ten years.
Phillipa Haxton, Head of Vital Events Statistics at National Records of Scotland, said: “Whilst these new figures are lower than the previous winter, the number of winter deaths has generally been increasing over the last decade.
“‘We know that Scotland’s population is ageing and that older age groups are affected most by the seasonal increase in mortality in winter. For people aged 85 and over there were 11 per cent more deaths over the winter period compared to the non-winter months. This compares to 7 per cent for those aged under 65.
“Winter deaths are more common among females who tend to live longer.”
The cause of death with the largest seasonal increase was dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (accounting for 380 additional deaths). Influenza accounted for 240 more deaths in the winter months and chronic lower respiratory disease 210 additional deaths.