Cause-Specific Mortality Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years in the United States, 1999 Through 2020.

OBJECTIVE: Reports on recent mortality trends among adults aged ≥65 years are lacking. We examined trends in the leading causes of death from 1999 through 2020 among US adults aged ≥65 years. METHODS: We used data from the National Vital Statistics System mortality files to identify the 10 leading causes of death among adults aged ≥65 years. We calculated overall and cause-specific age-adjusted death rates and then calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) in death rates from 1999 through 2020. RESULTS: The overall age-adjusted death rate decreased on average by 0.5% (95% CI, -1.0% to -0.1%) per year from 1999 through 2020. Although rates for 7 of the top 10 causes of death decreased significantly, the rates of death from Alzheimer disease (AAPC = 3.0%; 95% CI, 1.5% to 4.5%) and from unintentional injuries (AAPC = 1.2%; 95% CI, 1.0% to 1.4%), notably falls (AAPC = 4.1%; 95% CI, 3.9% to 4.3%) and poisoning (AAPC = 6.6%; 95% CI, 6.0% to 7.2%), increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Public health prevention strategies and improved chronic disease management may have contributed to decreased rates in the leading causes of death. However, longer survival with comorbidities may have contributed to increased rates of death from Alzheimer disease and unintentional falls.

Seasonal variation in fall-related emergency department visits by location of fall - United States, 2015.

INTRODUCTION: In the United States, fall-related emergency department (ED) visits among older adults (age 65 and older) have increased over the past decade. Studies document seasonal variation in fall injuries in other countries, while research in the United States is inconclusive. The objectives of this study were to examine seasonal variation in older adult fall-related ED visits and explore if seasonal variation differs by the location of the fall (indoors vs. outdoors), age group, and sex of the faller. METHODS: Fall-related ED visit data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System-All Injury Program were analyzed by season of the ED visit, location of the fall, and demographics for adults aged 65 years and older. RESULTS: Total fall-related ED visits were higher during winter compared with other seasons. This seasonal variation was found only for falls occurring outdoors. Among outdoor falls, the variation was found among males and adults aged 65 to 74 years. The percentages of visits for weather-related outdoor falls were also higher among males and the 65-74 year age group. CONCLUSIONS: In 2015, there was a seasonal variation in fall-related ED visits in the United States. Weather-related slips and trips in winter may partially account for the seasonal variation. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: These results can inform healthcare providers about the importance of screening all older adults for fall risk and help to identify specific patients at increased risk during winter. They may encourage community-based organizations serving older adults to increase fall prevention messaging during winter.