Leading Causes of Death for 66-Year-Olds

Leading Causes of Death for 66-Year-Olds (2021 CDC Data)

According to the CDC, the leading causes of death for 66-year-olds in 2021 are cancer and heart disease, with almost identical numbers of deaths: 16,271 and 16,171, respectively. COVID-19 is also a significant cause of mortality for this age group, with 9,539 deaths. Chronic lower respiratory disease, accidents (including overdoses), and diabetes follow closely behind, each causing over 2,000 deaths.

Liver disease, kidney disease, and septicemia are also notable causes of death, with over 900 deaths each. In contrast, some causes of death that are more common in younger age groups, such as homicide and HIV, are comparatively rare in 66-year-olds, with just 116 and 100 deaths, respectively.

It’s important to note that these numbers represent mortality for a single age group in a single year and should not be interpreted as predictors of individual risk. Additionally, there may be some overlap between causes of death (e.g. liver disease can contribute to deaths from cancer, COVID-19, or other underlying conditions).

Understanding the most common causes of death can be helpful in promoting public health and developing effective prevention strategies. However, it is important to approach mortality data with sensitivity and respect for the individuals and families affected by these deaths.

Top Causes of Death for Age 66 Men

When examining the mortality data for 66-year-old men, we see that heart disease is the most common cause of death, with a total of 10,514 deaths. Cancer, the second most common cause of death, is responsible for 9,034 deaths in this population. COVID-19 is also a significant cause of death for this age group of men, with 5,530 deaths.

Accidents, including overdoses, and chronic lower respiratory disease follow closely behind, each causing over 1,500 deaths. Diabetes, liver disease (including cirrhosis), and kidney disease are also among the leading causes of death, with over 500 deaths each.

In terms of mental health, suicide is responsible for 459 of these male deaths, while homicide causes 87.

It’s interesting to note that some causes of death which are more common in women or in the general population, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, are less prominent among 66-year-old men.

Understanding the leading causes of death for a specific population is essential in developing and implementing effective prevention strategies. However, it is essential to approach this data with respect and sensitivity to the individuals and families affected by these deaths.

Common Causes of Death for 66-Year-Old Women

Looking at the data on the most common causes of death for 66-year-old women, cancer and heart disease are once again the leading causes of mortality. Cancer accounts for 7,237 deaths, while heart disease accounts for 5,657 deaths. COVID-19 follows closely behind with 4,009 deaths. Chronic lower respiratory disease, diabetes, and accidents (including overdoses) are also among the leading causes of death for this group of women.

It’s interesting to note that liver disease (including cirrhosis), kidney disease and septicemia are more common causes of death for women than for the entire population of 66-year-olds. Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are also among the most common causes of death for women in this age group.

Overall, it’s important to understand the most common causes of death and to promote public health measures to prevent these conditions. However, it’s also essential to approach mortality data with sensitivity and empathy for those affected by these deaths.