Deaths from Falls by Older Adults

As part of an audiologist’s scope of practice, they may assess a patient’s risk for falls. Audiologists, therefore, are likely aware of the hazards related to a fall in older adults, including the potential for death. 

Garnett and colleagues (2025) used data from the National Vital Statistics System to explore the death rate from falls by older adults (65 years and older). These investigators reported a death rate of 69.9 per 100,000 population in 2023, with the rate being higher in men than women and with increasing age. Compared to 2002, the death rate from falls was greater in 2023, with the rates of change over that period varying by sex and age. 

These investigators also explored the relationship between death rates from falls in 2023 and race and Hispanic-origin and state of residence.

Reference

Garnett, M.F., Weeks, J.D., & Zehner, A.M. (2025). Unintentional fall deaths in adults age 65 and older: United States, 2023. NCHS Data Brief. 532:1–11.