Rise in the number of annual deaths in Jersey

The average age of death in Jersey in 2021 was 79 - the same as in 2020

A rise in deaths linked to dementia and Alzheimer's disease was part of an overall increase in Jersey's mortality rate last year.

The annual mortality report recorded 820 deaths in 2021, a 9% rise on the 750 deaths recorded in 2020.

The report said cancers and circulatory diseases, such as stroke, remained the leading two causes of death last year, accounting for 58% of fatalities.

Alzheimer's and dementia accounted for about 10% of fatalities in 2021.

According to the figures, the illnesses caused 80 deaths in 2021, compared with 50 deaths in 2020.

Flu and pneumonia and a range of chronic lower respiratory diseases were among the other illnesses that showed increases.

Covid-related deaths fell slightly to account for 4% of fatalities in 2021, compared with 7% in 2020.

The island's average age at death in 2021 was 79, the same as the year before.

Minister for Health and Social Services Karen Wilson said: "We know from the evidence that by adopting positive healthy living behaviours, islanders will enjoy more opportunities to live longer and healthier lives."

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