The enigma of Russian waves and not so bad prospects

In the past 25 years, mortality in Russia has been a subject of thorough studies by the best demographers and public health specialists.1 The ups and downs of the curve of mortality are unprecedented in recent human history, both in amplitude and in the total regress in longevity during the peaceful years. The explanations for the mortality waves offered up to date are heavy Russian drinking, disappointment with reforms,2 and stress of privatization,3 just to mention a few. These explanations are likely to be true at best only for some segments of the wave pattern.4 But if they are not applicable to the next wave, are they true explanations?There is a fresh idea in the field. There is a possibility that longevity of …