The simplicity of using one data set in addressing the relationship of single variables to mortality distinguishes Living and Dying in the USA from other recent investigations of mortality. The authors use the recently released National Health Interview Survey and the National Death Index to make a definitive statement about demographics and mortality. By surveying demographic and sociocultural characteristics associated with mortality, socioeconomic effects, health-related conditions, and health status, they reveal connections among several factors related to mortality chances. Easily understood and cited, their study emphasizes the statistical methods underlying their revelations and invites readers to duplicate their results. - Comprehensive coverage of US adult mortality differentials - Based on a new and innovative data set - Includes factors rarely examined in related mortality research - Not only documents mortality differentials, but explores explanations for them - Extensive list of references associated with each chapter - Consistent, straightforward methodology used throughout aids readers in both understanding the content and in comparing results from chapter to chapter

Richard G. Rogers, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, publishes in demography, medical sociology, sociology of aging, and methods. He is Past President of the Southern Demographic Association.

Prologue.
Acknowledgments.
Introduction, Overview, and Data and Methods:
Introduction and Overview.
Factors Related to Mortality.
Data Analysis.
Data and Methods.
Demographic and Sociocultural Characteristics:
The Sex Differential in Mortality.
Race/Ethnicity, Nativity, and Adult Mortality. Family Composition and Mortality.
Religious Attendance, Social Participation, and Adult Mortality.
Socioeconomic Factors:
The Effects of Basic Socioeconomic Factors on Mortality.
The Effect of Occupational Status on Mortality.
Health Insurance Coverage and Mortality.
Health Conditions and Health Status. Perceived Health Status and Mortality:
Functional Limitations and Mortality.
Mental and Addictive Disorders and Mortality. Cigarette Smoking and Mortality.
Alcohol Consumption and Mortality.
Exercise and Mortality.
The Influence of Other Health behaviors on Mortality.
Conclusion.
Epilogue.
References.
Author Index.
Subject Index.