The leading causes of death among adults over the age of 65 are also among the most common causes of death among the population as a whole.Many of these conditions are also highly preventable and treatable. It is important to understand these diseases, know when and where to get treatment, and know how you can live with them to help prolong life and health.Ingram Publishing/Getty ImagesThis article outlines the top causes of death for adults over the age of 65, starting with the number one cause: heart disease. Usingdisease prevention strategies, such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help you avoid or reduce the impact of some these conditions.
The leading causes of death among adults over the age of 65 are also among the most common causes of death among the population as a whole.Many of these conditions are also highly preventable and treatable. It is important to understand these diseases, know when and where to get treatment, and know how you can live with them to help prolong life and health.
Ingram Publishing/Getty Images
This article outlines the top causes of death for adults over the age of 65, starting with the number one cause: heart disease. Usingdisease prevention strategies, such as eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight, can help you avoid or reduce the impact of some these conditions.
1
Heart Disease
Heart diseaseincludes heart failure, heart attack, coronary artery disease (narrowing or hardening of the arteries), and heartarrhythmia. These conditions can cause your heart to beat ineffectively and affect your circulation.
That means that quitting smoking (or not starting), achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, drinking alcohol in moderation, and eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet can all help reduce your risk of heart disease.
If you have a family history of heart disease or you have any of the conditions associated with heart disease, talk to your healthcare provider about how to lower your personal risk.
2CancerAll kinds ofcancer, includingbreast cancer,colon cancer,skin cancer, and blood and bone marrow cancers (likeleukemia) fall into this category. As we age, our risk of developing cancer increases.Lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of developing cancer include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on red and processed meats.Using sun protection can also help protect against the development of skin cancer.A recent study also showed that people who engaged in recommended amounts of exercise had a statistically significant reduction in seven of the 15 cancer types studied.What Are the Deadliest and Fastest-Killing Cancers?
2
CancerAll kinds ofcancer, includingbreast cancer,colon cancer,skin cancer, and blood and bone marrow cancers (likeleukemia) fall into this category. As we age, our risk of developing cancer increases.Lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of developing cancer include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on red and processed meats.Using sun protection can also help protect against the development of skin cancer.A recent study also showed that people who engaged in recommended amounts of exercise had a statistically significant reduction in seven of the 15 cancer types studied.What Are the Deadliest and Fastest-Killing Cancers?
Cancer
All kinds ofcancer, includingbreast cancer,colon cancer,skin cancer, and blood and bone marrow cancers (likeleukemia) fall into this category. As we age, our risk of developing cancer increases.
Lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of developing cancer include not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating more fruits and vegetables, and cutting back on red and processed meats.Using sun protection can also help protect against the development of skin cancer.
A recent study also showed that people who engaged in recommended amounts of exercise had a statistically significant reduction in seven of the 15 cancer types studied.
What Are the Deadliest and Fastest-Killing Cancers?
3
COVID-19
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider about any underlying conditions you have, and when your symptoms might warrant a trip to the hospital.
4Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)Cerebrovascular diseaseis a group of conditions that includes stroke. Astrokeoccurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a blood clot or blockage (like a cholesterol plaque) that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain, or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Both can cause damage or death to brain tissue.Strokes can cause paralysis,speech disorders, swallowing problems, and immobility. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important risk factor for stroke, butdiabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking also increase the risk.Quitting smoking and managing conditions such as high blood pressure with the help of your healthcare provider can help lower your risk of stroke.
4
Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)Cerebrovascular diseaseis a group of conditions that includes stroke. Astrokeoccurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a blood clot or blockage (like a cholesterol plaque) that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain, or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Both can cause damage or death to brain tissue.Strokes can cause paralysis,speech disorders, swallowing problems, and immobility. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important risk factor for stroke, butdiabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking also increase the risk.Quitting smoking and managing conditions such as high blood pressure with the help of your healthcare provider can help lower your risk of stroke.
Cerebrovascular Disease (Stroke)
Cerebrovascular diseaseis a group of conditions that includes stroke. Astrokeoccurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This can be due to a blood clot or blockage (like a cholesterol plaque) that cuts off blood flow to a part of the brain, or a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Both can cause damage or death to brain tissue.
Strokes can cause paralysis,speech disorders, swallowing problems, and immobility. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the most important risk factor for stroke, butdiabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking also increase the risk.
Quitting smoking and managing conditions such as high blood pressure with the help of your healthcare provider can help lower your risk of stroke.
5
Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease
Chronic lower respiratory disease(CLRD) is a group of four diseases:chronic obstructive lung disease(COPD), chronicbronchitisandemphysema, andasthma.These conditions make it difficult to breathe. As they progress or get worse, you have to work harder and harder to catch your breath, often feeling like you’re suffocating.
The most important thing you can do to prevent or slow the progression of CLRD is to stop smoking (or not start) and avoid secondhand smoke. Be mindful of using a wood-burning stove or fireplace, as they can increase also increase your risk of lung damage.
6
Alzheimer’s Disease
This progressive and deadly disease causes progressive memory loss, personality changes, and eventually, a complete loss of function and ability. The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are unknown, but there are medications that can slow it down.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
7
Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset diabetes, is a chronic disease that weakens the immune system and can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other circulatory problems. With this condition, wounds take longer to heal and respiratory infections, like pneumonia, can be more severe.
Smokers are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.Quit smoking or avoid it altogether.
8AccidentsDrug overdoses, car accidents, poisonings, and falls can all be deadly.In older people, simple falls can result in fractures that cause immobility and disability and may hasten death.Balance disorders, failing eyesight, and slower reflexes may contribute to a greater risk of accidents in people aged 65 and older.Exercise programs can help you improve your balance and maintain strength. Other steps you can take to minimize your risks of a fall include: keeping eyeglass prescriptions up to date, rising slowly from a sitting position (to avoid getting dizzy), and wearing rubber-soled, flat shoes.It’s also important to be aware of potential side effects of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.RecapIf you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs to manage different medical conditions, it’s important to talk with your doctor to make sure it’s okay to take the medicines together. In some cases, drugs can interact and cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other symptoms that could contribute to an accident or fall.
8
AccidentsDrug overdoses, car accidents, poisonings, and falls can all be deadly.In older people, simple falls can result in fractures that cause immobility and disability and may hasten death.Balance disorders, failing eyesight, and slower reflexes may contribute to a greater risk of accidents in people aged 65 and older.Exercise programs can help you improve your balance and maintain strength. Other steps you can take to minimize your risks of a fall include: keeping eyeglass prescriptions up to date, rising slowly from a sitting position (to avoid getting dizzy), and wearing rubber-soled, flat shoes.It’s also important to be aware of potential side effects of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.RecapIf you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs to manage different medical conditions, it’s important to talk with your doctor to make sure it’s okay to take the medicines together. In some cases, drugs can interact and cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other symptoms that could contribute to an accident or fall.
Accidents
Drug overdoses, car accidents, poisonings, and falls can all be deadly.In older people, simple falls can result in fractures that cause immobility and disability and may hasten death.
Balance disorders, failing eyesight, and slower reflexes may contribute to a greater risk of accidents in people aged 65 and older.
Exercise programs can help you improve your balance and maintain strength. Other steps you can take to minimize your risks of a fall include: keeping eyeglass prescriptions up to date, rising slowly from a sitting position (to avoid getting dizzy), and wearing rubber-soled, flat shoes.
It’s also important to be aware of potential side effects of prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
RecapIf you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs to manage different medical conditions, it’s important to talk with your doctor to make sure it’s okay to take the medicines together. In some cases, drugs can interact and cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other symptoms that could contribute to an accident or fall.
Recap
If you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs to manage different medical conditions, it’s important to talk with your doctor to make sure it’s okay to take the medicines together. In some cases, drugs can interact and cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other symptoms that could contribute to an accident or fall.
9NephritisKidney inflammation, ornephritis, can be sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Possible causes include bacterial infection or exposure to chemicals or toxins, such as mercury, arsenic, or alcohol. Autoimmune disease and a number of medications may also play a role.If left untreated, kidney inflammation can cause your kidneys to fail (also calledrenal failure). When your kidneys fail, toxins can build up because your body can’t filter your blood properly. You may see a decrease in urine output. Chronic renal failure may lead to a need for dialysis. See a healthcare provider for treatment if you havesymptoms of a kidney problem.
9
NephritisKidney inflammation, ornephritis, can be sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Possible causes include bacterial infection or exposure to chemicals or toxins, such as mercury, arsenic, or alcohol. Autoimmune disease and a number of medications may also play a role.If left untreated, kidney inflammation can cause your kidneys to fail (also calledrenal failure). When your kidneys fail, toxins can build up because your body can’t filter your blood properly. You may see a decrease in urine output. Chronic renal failure may lead to a need for dialysis. See a healthcare provider for treatment if you havesymptoms of a kidney problem.
Nephritis
Kidney inflammation, ornephritis, can be sudden (acute) or long-lasting (chronic). Possible causes include bacterial infection or exposure to chemicals or toxins, such as mercury, arsenic, or alcohol. Autoimmune disease and a number of medications may also play a role.
If left untreated, kidney inflammation can cause your kidneys to fail (also calledrenal failure). When your kidneys fail, toxins can build up because your body can’t filter your blood properly. You may see a decrease in urine output. Chronic renal failure may lead to a need for dialysis. See a healthcare provider for treatment if you havesymptoms of a kidney problem.
10
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s diseaseis a type of progressive movement disorder that can lead totremorsand problems with movement and balance. It typically develops after age 60.
Studies suggest that maintaining a healthy diet and engaging in regular aerobic exercise may help with symptom control and possibly slow the progression of the condition.
SummaryIncreasingly, adults are living longer, healthier lives. In fact, many of the leading causes of death in people over the age of 65 can be prevented or slowed down. By taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle—such as not smoking, exercising regularly, and modifying your diet—you can avoid conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes that can affect the quality and length of your life.
Summary
Increasingly, adults are living longer, healthier lives. In fact, many of the leading causes of death in people over the age of 65 can be prevented or slowed down. By taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle—such as not smoking, exercising regularly, and modifying your diet—you can avoid conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes that can affect the quality and length of your life.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Deaths: Leading causes for 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease facts.Laconi E, Marongiu F, DeGregori J.Cancer as a disease of old age: changing mutational and microenvironmental landscapes.Br J Cancer. 2020;122(7):943-952. doi:10.1038/s41416-019-0721-1U.S. National Library of Medicine.Cancer prevention: Take charge of your lifestyle.Matthews CE, Moore SC, Arem H, et al.Amount and intensity of leisure-time physical activity and lower cancer risk.JCO. 2020;38(7):686-697. doi:10.1200/JCO.19.02407Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About COVID-19.World Health Organization.Chronic respiratory diseases.Durazzo TC, Mattsson N, Weiner MW; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.Smoking and increased Alzheimer’s disease risk: A review of potential mechanisms.Alzheimers Dement. 2014;10(3 Suppl):S122–S145. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.04.009Zheng F, Yan L, Yang Z, Zhong B, Xie W.HbA1c, diabetes and cognitive decline: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.Diabetologia. 2018;61(4):839-848. doi:10.1007/s00125-017-4541-7Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, Sacks FM, Bennett DA, Aggarwal NT.MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.Alzheimers Dement. 2015;11(9):1007–1014. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cigarette smoking: A risk factor for type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Injuries and violence are leading causes of death.MedlinePlus.Parkinson’s disease.Crotty GF, Schwarzschild MA.Chasing protection in Parkinson’s disease: does exercise reduce risk and progression?Front Aging Neurosci. 2020;12:186. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00186Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fighting Parkinson’s disease with exercise and diet.Additional Reading
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Deaths: Leading causes for 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease facts.Laconi E, Marongiu F, DeGregori J.Cancer as a disease of old age: changing mutational and microenvironmental landscapes.Br J Cancer. 2020;122(7):943-952. doi:10.1038/s41416-019-0721-1U.S. National Library of Medicine.Cancer prevention: Take charge of your lifestyle.Matthews CE, Moore SC, Arem H, et al.Amount and intensity of leisure-time physical activity and lower cancer risk.JCO. 2020;38(7):686-697. doi:10.1200/JCO.19.02407Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About COVID-19.World Health Organization.Chronic respiratory diseases.Durazzo TC, Mattsson N, Weiner MW; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.Smoking and increased Alzheimer’s disease risk: A review of potential mechanisms.Alzheimers Dement. 2014;10(3 Suppl):S122–S145. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.04.009Zheng F, Yan L, Yang Z, Zhong B, Xie W.HbA1c, diabetes and cognitive decline: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.Diabetologia. 2018;61(4):839-848. doi:10.1007/s00125-017-4541-7Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, Sacks FM, Bennett DA, Aggarwal NT.MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.Alzheimers Dement. 2015;11(9):1007–1014. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cigarette smoking: A risk factor for type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Injuries and violence are leading causes of death.MedlinePlus.Parkinson’s disease.Crotty GF, Schwarzschild MA.Chasing protection in Parkinson’s disease: does exercise reduce risk and progression?Front Aging Neurosci. 2020;12:186. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00186Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fighting Parkinson’s disease with exercise and diet.Additional Reading
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Deaths: Leading causes for 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease facts.Laconi E, Marongiu F, DeGregori J.Cancer as a disease of old age: changing mutational and microenvironmental landscapes.Br J Cancer. 2020;122(7):943-952. doi:10.1038/s41416-019-0721-1U.S. National Library of Medicine.Cancer prevention: Take charge of your lifestyle.Matthews CE, Moore SC, Arem H, et al.Amount and intensity of leisure-time physical activity and lower cancer risk.JCO. 2020;38(7):686-697. doi:10.1200/JCO.19.02407Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About COVID-19.World Health Organization.Chronic respiratory diseases.Durazzo TC, Mattsson N, Weiner MW; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.Smoking and increased Alzheimer’s disease risk: A review of potential mechanisms.Alzheimers Dement. 2014;10(3 Suppl):S122–S145. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.04.009Zheng F, Yan L, Yang Z, Zhong B, Xie W.HbA1c, diabetes and cognitive decline: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.Diabetologia. 2018;61(4):839-848. doi:10.1007/s00125-017-4541-7Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, Sacks FM, Bennett DA, Aggarwal NT.MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.Alzheimers Dement. 2015;11(9):1007–1014. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cigarette smoking: A risk factor for type 2 diabetes.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Injuries and violence are leading causes of death.MedlinePlus.Parkinson’s disease.Crotty GF, Schwarzschild MA.Chasing protection in Parkinson’s disease: does exercise reduce risk and progression?Front Aging Neurosci. 2020;12:186. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00186Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fighting Parkinson’s disease with exercise and diet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Deaths: Leading causes for 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Heart disease facts.
Laconi E, Marongiu F, DeGregori J.Cancer as a disease of old age: changing mutational and microenvironmental landscapes.Br J Cancer. 2020;122(7):943-952. doi:10.1038/s41416-019-0721-1
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Cancer prevention: Take charge of your lifestyle.
Matthews CE, Moore SC, Arem H, et al.Amount and intensity of leisure-time physical activity and lower cancer risk.JCO. 2020;38(7):686-697. doi:10.1200/JCO.19.02407
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About COVID-19.
World Health Organization.Chronic respiratory diseases.
Durazzo TC, Mattsson N, Weiner MW; Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.Smoking and increased Alzheimer’s disease risk: A review of potential mechanisms.Alzheimers Dement. 2014;10(3 Suppl):S122–S145. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.04.009
Zheng F, Yan L, Yang Z, Zhong B, Xie W.HbA1c, diabetes and cognitive decline: The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.Diabetologia. 2018;61(4):839-848. doi:10.1007/s00125-017-4541-7
Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, Sacks FM, Bennett DA, Aggarwal NT.MIND diet associated with reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease.Alzheimers Dement. 2015;11(9):1007–1014. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2014.11.009
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Cigarette smoking: A risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Injuries and violence are leading causes of death.
MedlinePlus.Parkinson’s disease.
Crotty GF, Schwarzschild MA.Chasing protection in Parkinson’s disease: does exercise reduce risk and progression?Front Aging Neurosci. 2020;12:186. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2020.00186
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Fighting Parkinson’s disease with exercise and diet.
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