Leading Causes of Death for 59-Year-Olds (2021 CDC Data)
| Cause of Death | Total Deaths |
|---|---|
| Heart Disease | 10,625 |
| Cancer | 10,402 |
| COVID-19 | 7,173 |
| Accidents (Incl. Overdoses) | 3,558 |
| Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis) | 1,892 |
| Diabetes | 1,793 |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease | 1,518 |
| Suicide | 754 |
| Kidney Disease | 628 |
| Septicemia | 610 |
| Flu (Non-COVID) | 483 |
| Homicide | 185 |
| Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids | 177 |
| HIV | 171 |
| Viral Hepatitis | 147 |
| Congenital Malformations | 137 |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 84 |
| Nutritional Deficiency | 77 |
| Peptic Ulcer | 72 |
| Parkinson's Disease | 34 |
| Anemias | 26 |
| Enterocolitis | 25 |
According to data from the CDC, the leading causes of death for 59-year-olds in the United States in 2021 were heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19. Heart disease alone claimed the lives of 10,625 individuals, while cancer was responsible for 10,402 deaths. Shockingly, COVID-19 claimed 7,173 lives in the same age group.
Other causes of death among 59-year-olds included accidents (including overdoses), liver disease (including cirrhosis), diabetes, and chronic lower respiratory disease. Suicide and kidney disease were also significant contributors to mortality, with 754 and 628 deaths, respectively. Septicemia, flu (non-COVID), homicide, and pneumonitis were also responsible for a concerning number of deaths.
Analyzing the data further, it becomes apparent that many of these causes of death are preventable or could be managed with better healthcare. For example, heart disease and cancer are both closely associated with poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Similarly, diabetes and liver disease are often tied to poor dietary choices, alcohol abuse and obesity.
COVID-19 is the most eye-catching of the causes of death on this list. While vaccines have started rolling out, vaccination rates vary greatly across the country. It is important to remember that, even once vaccinated, individuals need to follow preventative measures such as social distancing and wearing masks in public.
Overall, it is essential that we continue to focus on combatting preventable causes of death and providing access to quality healthcare for all age groups. The data shows us that we have work to do, and we must remain vigilant in our efforts to keep people healthy and safe.
Top Causes of Death for Age 59 Men
| Cause of Death | Total Deaths |
|---|---|
| Heart Disease | 7,206 |
| Cancer | 5,519 |
| COVID-19 | 4,335 |
| Accidents (Incl. Overdoses) | 2,508 |
| Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis) | 1,257 |
| Diabetes | 1,090 |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease | 750 |
| Suicide | 602 |
| Kidney Disease | 356 |
| Septicemia | 301 |
| Flu (Non-COVID) | 272 |
| Homicide | 151 |
| HIV | 138 |
| Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids | 112 |
| Viral Hepatitis | 96 |
| Congenital Malformations | 76 |
| Peptic Ulcer | 45 |
| Nutritional Deficiency | 43 |
| Parkinson's Disease | 34 |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 29 |
| Anemias | 26 |
The mortality data for 59-year-old men shows that the top causes of death are heart disease, cancer, and COVID-19. Heart disease alone accounted for 7,206 deaths, while cancer caused 5,519 deaths, and COVID-19 was responsible for 4,335. Accidents (including overdoses) also resulted in a high number of deaths, with 2,508 recorded fatalities. Liver disease caused 1,257 deaths, while diabetes caused 1,090, and chronic lower respiratory disease was responsible for 750 deaths.
Suicide resulted in 602 fatalities among 59-year-old men, while kidney disease caused 356 deaths, and septicemia caused 301 deaths. The remaining causes of death (excluding homicide, HIV, and pneumonitis) caused less than 300 deaths each. Congenital malformations were responsible for 76 deaths, peptic ulcer caused 45 deaths, nutritional deficiency caused 43 deaths, and Alzheimer’s disease caused 29 deaths.
The data indicates that heart disease, cancer, COVID-19, accidents, and liver disease are the leading causes of death among 59-year-old men. Moreover, suicide and kidney disease also contribute significantly to mortality for this age group. Overall, this highlights the importance of proactive healthcare practices and preventative measures that can help reduce the incidence of these conditions and ultimately promote better health outcomes for the population.
Common Causes of Death for 59-Year-Old Women
| Cause of Death | Total Deaths |
|---|---|
| Cancer | 4,883 |
| Heart Disease | 3,419 |
| COVID-19 | 2,838 |
| Accidents (Incl. Overdoses) | 1,050 |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease | 768 |
| Diabetes | 703 |
| Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis) | 635 |
| Septicemia | 309 |
| Kidney Disease | 272 |
| Flu (Non-COVID) | 211 |
| Suicide | 152 |
| Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids | 65 |
| Congenital Malformations | 61 |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 55 |
| Viral Hepatitis | 51 |
| Nutritional Deficiency | 34 |
| Homicide | 34 |
| HIV | 33 |
| Peptic Ulcer | 27 |
| Enterocolitis | 25 |
The mortality data from the CDC for 59-year-old women shows that cancer is the most common cause of death, accounting for 4,883 deaths. Heart disease and COVID-19 were the second and third most common causes of death, with 3,419 and 2,838 deaths respectively.
Other frequent causes of death among women in this age group were accidents (including overdoses), chronic lower respiratory disease, diabetes, and liver disease. Septicemia, kidney disease, and flu (non-COVID) were also prominent causes of death. Suicide, pneumonia due to solids and liquids, congenital malformations, and Alzheimer’s disease contributed to the total fatality rate as well.
It’s notable that cancer is the top cause of death for women in this age group, followed closely by heart disease. COVID-19 is the third most common cause of death, which speaks to the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on women’s health.
Overall, the data tells us that cancer, heart disease, and COVID-19 are the most significant contributors to mortality among women in their late 50s. Reducing the incidence of these diseases and managing them better through prevention and improved care should always be a priority for public health.
