[Evolution of the member population of the French Academy of Medicine].
This survey includes all the 843 members of the French Academy of Medicine elected over the last 150 years (1850-1999). Various variables are analysed, namely the age at election, the length of life and the duration of membership. The main trends observed during the 20th century are the following. 1. A regular increase in the length of life (about 20 years), greater than in the overall French population. 2. A rising in the mean age at election until 1970 and a stabilisation afterwards. 3. A steady increase of the mean age of the population of members. Some projections are also developed for the next 25 years, based on various hypotheses: 1. A continuation of the current trends, taking only into account the foreseeable lengthening of life; this makes the difficulties observed during the last two decades becoming more acute; 2. The introduction of new rules such as a decrease in the mean age at election, or the settling of an upper age limit for regular membership (giving access to an Emeritus status). These measures induce a decrease of the mean age of the population, less or more intense. Some of the assumptions may also have a negative effect, by reducing the turnover rate.
David
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Académie nationale de médecine, Paris.
Leridon
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D000047:Academies and Institutes / Q000266:history* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005544:Forecasting; D005602:France; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged