Looking at France and Hungary, it would appear that the seasonal rise in deaths was unusually small in 2013/14 and then unusually large in 2014/15.
This would relate to the annual rise in deaths that occurs beginning in October and peaking in January. In France and Hungary, deaths remained high into February and March while in many other years deaths dropped off rapidly after January.
There has been a general rise in deaths over the past 10 years and 2014 was actually the odd one out on the trend. It would make sense that 2015 would see a higher number of deaths from the same cause that didn't kill people in 2014.
Census Bureau international gateway
Looking at France for one-year age cohorts for 2010, 2015, 2020 there has been a huge increase in older persons due to the influx of those born after WWII, replacing those who weren't born during the war. The number of persons born in 1948 is about 55% greater than those born in 1943 (at the same age). The 48ers are now 67 and beginning to die at increasing rates.
There has also been a big increase in those born after WWI, compared to those not born in WWI, though those born after WWI would have borne some of the dying in WWII. At that age, large numbers die every year (getting close to 10%).
The median age for those over 65 has been declining in France due to the post-WWII generation entering the ranks. This will drive the death rate over 65's up, while continuing to increase the death rate for the whole population.
The closer the average/medium age of the 65+ cohort is 65 the lower that cohorts death rate will be.
