Health Outcomes

The average 65-year-old in the U.S. can expect to live another 19.7 years

based on 2024 calculations.⁵ However, many older adults do not live to see their 75th birthday. The leading causes of death

among adults ages 65-74 in the U.S. in 2024 were cancer, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease and diabetes, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).⁶ Unintentional injuries

remain the sixth-leading cause of death, led by falls, poisonings (including drug deaths) and motor vehicle crashes.⁷

Changes over time. Nationally, the early death rate decreased 2% from 1,810 to 1,773 deaths per 100,000 adults ages 65-74 between 2023 and 2024, nearly back to the 2019 rate (1,765). In 2024, there were approximately 628,400 deaths among adults ages 65-74, 740 fewer than in 2023.

Between 2023 and 2024, the early death rate among adults ages 65-74 significantly decreased:

During the same time, the early death rate significantly decreased in seven states: 4% in both California (1,520 to 1,462 deaths per 100,000 adults ages 65-74) and Massachusetts (1,474 to 1,413); 3% in Florida (1,674 to 1,629), Georgia (2,049 to 1,992), New York (1,479 to 1,440) and Pennsylvania (1,827 to 1,772); and 2% in Texas (1,907 to 1,861).

Differences. In 2024, the early death rate significantly varied by race/ethnicity, geography and gender. The rate among adults ages 65-74 was:

America’s Health Rankings data indicate that older adults were the only population that experienced a significant increase in drug-related deaths between 2022 and 2023, while rates decreased among younger populations.⁸ According to The Journals of Gerontology, drug abuse can be particularly hazardous for older adults because age-related changes in the liver reduce the ability to metabolize

medications.⁹ Additionally, many older adults take one or more

prescription medications, which can increase the risk of dangerous interactions.¹⁰

Changes over time. Despite staying below the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2030 target of 20.7 drug overdose deaths per 100,000 population,

the national drug death rate increased 38% from 9.9 to 13.7 deaths due to drug injury (unintentional, suicide, homicide or undetermined) per 100,000 adults age 65 and older between 2019-2021 and 2022-2024.¹¹ This represents approximately 24,500 drug deaths among older adults in 2022-2024, 8,100 more than in 2019-2021.

Between 2019-2021 and 2022-2024, the drug death rate among adults age 65 and older significantly increased:

During this time frame, the drug death rate significantly increased in 35 states. The largest increases were: 116% in Alaska (9.8 to 21.2 deaths per 100,000 adults age 65 and older), 87% in Washington (11.7 to 21.9) and 78% in Maine (6.7 to 11.9). 

Differences. In 2022-2024, the drug death rate varied significantly by geography, race/ethnicity and gender. The rate among adults age 65 and older was:

In 2022-2023, 40.9% of alcohol-attributable deaths

occurred among people age 65 and older.¹² Alcohol-induced death rates for adults ages 65-74 reached record highs

in 2021 and remained elevated through 2023.¹³ Older adults face heightened risks because alcohol tolerance typically decreases with age

— a sensitivity that is frequently compounded by the widespread use of prescription medications.¹⁴

Changes over time. Nationally, excessive drinking — the percentage of adults age 65 and older who reported binge drinking (four or more drinks on one occasion in the past 30 days for females or five or more for males) or heavy drinking (eight or more drinks per week for females or 15 or more for males) — increased 10% from 6.9% to 7.6% between 2023 and 2024.

Between 2023 and 2024, the prevalence of excessive drinking among adults age 65 and older significantly increased:

During the same time period, the prevalence significantly increased 76% in Missouri (5.1% to 9.0%) and 50% in Kansas (4.8% to 7.2%). 

Differences. Excessive drinking significantly varied by geography, race/ethnicity, gender, income and disability status. In 2024, the prevalence among adults age 65 and older was:

Suicide is a troubling public health issue that can leave a lasting impact

on families and communities.¹⁵ Suicide attempts by older adults are more likely to be fatal

than suicide attempts by younger people.¹⁶

Changes over time. Nationally, the suicide rate increased 4% from 16.9 to 17.6 deaths due to intentional self-harm per 100,000 adults age 65 and older between 2019-2021 and 2022-2024. This remains higher than the Healthy People 2030 target to reduce suicide deaths among all ages to 12.8 per 100,000 population.

¹⁷ In 2022-2024, there were approximately 31,400 suicide deaths among adults age 65 and older, 3,400 more than in 2019-2021.

Between 2019-2021 and 2022-2024, the suicide rate among adults age 65 and older significantly increased:

The suicide rate among older adults significantly increased 21% in Missouri (18.0 to 21.8 deaths per 100,000 adults age 65 and older) between 2019-2021 and 2022-2024. 

Differences. In 2022-2024, the suicide rate significantly varied by gender, race/ethnicity, geography and age group. The rate among adults age 65 and older was: