Abstract: ObjectiveTo analyze the causes of the elder ly people(over than 60 years)death in urban population in Ningbo city,and provide basic evidences for hygiene policy and preventative measures.MethodsMortality data of elderly people for 15 years in Ningbo city based on national annual motality statistics reports between 1987 and 2001 were analyzed.ResultsThe standardized specific death rate of diseases or injures reached 3438.63/100,000 in elderly people,and the mortality of male elders was 1.64 times higher than that of female elders.The leading three causes of the death(in rank order)for older men were tumors,circulatory system diseases and respiratory diseases.However,the leading three causes for older women were circulatory system diseases,respiratory diseases and tumors.The first cause of death of 70 years old and below groups was tumors,among 75 years old and 80 age groups were circulatory diseases,and over 85 years was respiratory diseases,respectively.ConclusionThe controlling measures should be focused on prevention of circulatory system diseases,tumors,respiratory diseases,and injuries.