From mid-October 1992 to mid-October of the current year, the Civil Registry Office recorded more than 500 deaths.
Death took its greatest toll in March (51), while the fewest people died in June (28). None of the deceased reached the age celebrated in the customary birthday-and-name-day song, and only two women reached the age of 95, while four others came close to that milestone. Among the deceased octogenarians, there are almost no men, and the average age of Bolesławiec residents ranges between 63 and 64, while among men it has fallen to just over 50. The figures on unnatural deaths among the residents of our city are tragic. During the period in question, more than half of the residents of Bolesławiec died prematurely and irreversibly from diseases of the 20th or already the 21st century. 109 people died from cancer (most often cancer of the large intestine, throat and reproductive organs), atherosclerosis caused 150 deaths (heart attacks, hemorrhages, strokes and peripheral vascular diseases), 30 people died in road accidents, 12 people committed suicide (most often by hanging), and alcohol killed several people (poisoning, liver cirrhosis, fatal falls while intoxicated, etc.). Unfortunately, among this frightening number of unnatural deaths, there are many—far too many—people from age groups to which death should not yet have had access. Even very young people are dying; cancer most often ravages women, while atherosclerosis destroys men. What causes these dangerous diseases? In the broadest terms: modern life. An improper, money-driven, unregulated lifestyle leaves women no time for proper rest, healthy living or even regular checkups. Men are additionally harmed by stress, tension, malnutrition (or improper nutrition) and, unfortunately, alcohol and nicotine.
We are all depressed by economic and political abnormality, which is connected with concern about the day ahead. If we add envy, greed, intolerance, and the arrogance and contempt for the weaker that prevail here and there, we will have a more complete answer to the causes of many tragic events. As we pay tribute to the dead at the beginning of November, let us also think about ourselves and the meaning of our lives.
Many of the people who are dead today, often our neighbors or acquaintances, could still have been living among us. We cannot bring them back to life. We can, however, ensure that the number of those who die prematurely does not grow. We only need to bring more warmth, cordiality, kindness and understanding for others into our hearts. Let us live longer and allow others to live.