This study compares the living situation, morbidity and mortality and related factors between two different communities, one in eastern Finland (with high mortality in cardiovascular diseases) and another in Lisbon, Portugal (representing the Mediterranean area with low ischaemic heart disease but high cerebrovascular mortality). The representative samples of 65-74 year old population were examined using the same study protocol, and official mortality statistics were analyzed from these countries. The results show that elderly Firms have more facilities at home than elderly Portuguese. Self reported diabetes mellitus, stroke and chronic bronchitis as well as obstipation, urinary problems, leg pain and chest pain, and cough in the morning were more prevalent in Portugal but cardiac failure was more common in Finland. Reported hypertension and antihypertensive drug treatment were equally prevalent in both countries, but diastolic blood pressure level was clearly higher in Portugal. Total CVD mortality in this age group is higher in Finland among men but lower among women, stroke mortality is higher but ischaemic heart disease lower among both genders in Portugal.