Deaths From Falls Among Persons Aged 65 Years and Older — United States, 2007–2016

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated the number of deaths from falls among the 65-years-or-older U.S. population between 2007 and 2016. The agency found the overall rate of older adult deaths from falls rose 31 percent from 2007 to 2016, while nationally, 29,668 residents in the studied age range died from fall-related causes in 2016. The largest AAPC in mortality rates from falls occurred in Maine, followed by Oklahoma and West Virginia, while 30 states and the District of Columbia experienced a significant increase in fall-related death rates from 2007 to 2016. In 2016, death rates from falls were higher among adults aged about 85 years, males, and whites than among corresponding groups. Meanwhile, rates increased among all demographic subgroups except American Indians/Alaska Natives. The yearly rate increase was larger among adults about 85 years old than among those aged 65-74 and 75-84 years old. The CDC suggests differences in rates among states might partly stem from differences in the racial composition or general health of their residents. Another possible contributor could be differential coding practices for external causes of injury on the death certificate. Furthermore, certain states require a medical examiner to complete a death certificate, whereas others employ coroners. As the number of Americans in the 65-years-or-older age range increases, the growing number of deaths from falls in this demographic can be addressed by screening for fall risk and intervening to address modifiable risk factors such as polypharmacy or gait, strength, and balance issues.