US Fall Deaths Among Seniors Rise Sharply

CDC data show that death rates from unintentional falls among U.S. adults aged 65 and older rose sharply from 2003 to 2023, with a more than 70% increase for ages 65-74, over 75% for ages 75-84, and rates more than doubling for those 85 and older. In 2023, over 41,000 older Americans died from falls, accounting for about 1 in every 56 deaths in this age group, with white individuals comprising 87% of deaths among the oldest seniors. The increase is attributed to an aging population, better awareness and reporting, and risk factors like medication side effects, sensory decline, and mobility issues. States such as Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Maine reported the highest fall death rates, possibly due to wintry weather, while Alabama had the lowest. Experts stress preventive measures including regular exercise, medication reviews, sensory checks, home safety modifications, and emergency systems. The trend highlights the urgent need for expanded public health strategies to reduce fall risks among older adults.