Older Adults Dying From Unintentional Falls At An Increasingly High Rate

Older adults in the United States are increasingly dying from unintentional falls, with a significant rise in death rates over the past two decades. According to a recent report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), death rates from falls have risen more than 70% for adults aged 65 to 74, over 75% for those aged 75 to 84, and have more than doubled for seniors 85 and older from 2003 to 2023. In 2023 alone, more than 41,000 retirement-age Americans died due to falls, marking about one in every 56 deaths in this age group.

The CDC report highlights that white people account for the vast majority of these deaths, with 87% of fall-related deaths among those 85 and older being white individuals. Death rates from falls vary significantly by state, with Wisconsin having the highest rates, followed by Minnesota, Maine, Oklahoma, and Vermont. Ice and wintry weather may contribute to higher rates in the upper Midwest and New England, but differences in reporting and classification of falls as a cause of death also play a role.

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults, and they can result in severe injuries such as head trauma and broken bones, which may lead to permanent disability. Factors contributing to falls include changes in hearing and vision, as well as medications that cause light-headedness. The CDC emphasizes that staying active can help prevent falls.

The increase in fall-related deaths is attributed to a combination of factors, including an aging population and improved recognition of falls as a cause of death. Despite the rising trend, falls are preventable, and interventions such as screening for fall risk and addressing risk factors are essential. The CDC provides resources and guidelines for fall prevention through its STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative.