Leading Causes of Death for 85-Year-Olds
- Updated: March 13, 2023
As people near their 85th birthday, they may start to experience a decline in their overall health. Age-related health issues can increase their risk of developing chronic diseases and medical conditions, leading to a higher likelihood of death. In this article, we will explore the leading causes of death for 85-year-olds, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, respiratory disease, and Alzheimer's. By understanding the primary reasons that seniors may lose their lives, we can identify ways to prevent these deadly conditions and help our aging loved ones stay healthy as they approach their golden years.
(Note: If you'd like to compare year-over-year, see here 84-year-old causes of death.)
Table of Contents
Leading Causes of Death for 85-Year-Olds (2021 CDC Data)
| Cause of Death | Total Deaths |
|---|---|
| Heart Disease | 26,284 |
| Cancer | 13,461 |
| COVID-19 | 8,729 |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 5,422 |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease | 4,045 |
| Accidents (Incl. Overdoses) | 2,475 |
| Diabetes | 2,144 |
| Parkinson's Disease | 1,906 |
| Kidney Disease | 1,614 |
| Flu (Non-COVID) | 1,138 |
| Septicemia | 994 |
| Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids | 676 |
| Nutritional Deficiency | 631 |
| Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis) | 313 |
| Suicide | 187 |
| Anemias | 154 |
| Gallbladder Disorder | 140 |
| Enterocolitis | 120 |
| Hernia | 81 |
| Peptic Ulcer | 76 |
| Prostate Hyperplasia | 28 |
According to the latest data from the CDC, heart disease is still the leading cause of death for 85-year-olds, with over 26,000 deaths reported in 2021. Cancer ranks second, with over 13,000 deaths, followed by COVID-19, with over 8,000 deaths.
Alzheimer’s disease and chronic lower respiratory disease round out the top five causes of death, with about 5,400 and 4,000 deaths, respectively.
It’s worth noting that accidents, including overdoses, are also a significant cause of mortality in this age group, with over 2,000 deaths reported.
Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and kidney disease also significantly impact mortality rates among 85-year-olds, with over 2,000 deaths attributed to diabetes alone.
The data also shows that influenza (non-COVID) and septicemia are among the top causes of death, with over 1,000 deaths reported for each. Other causes of death, like nutritional deficiencies and gallbladder disorders, are less common but still worth noting.
Top Causes of Death for Age 85 Men
| Cause of Death | Total Deaths |
|---|---|
| Heart Disease | 12,599 |
| Cancer | 6,972 |
| COVID-19 | 4,701 |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 1,888 |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease | 1,762 |
| Accidents (Incl. Overdoses) | 1,242 |
| Parkinson's Disease | 1,164 |
| Diabetes | 1,118 |
| Kidney Disease | 844 |
| Flu (Non-COVID) | 605 |
| Septicemia | 478 |
| Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids | 402 |
| Nutritional Deficiency | 232 |
| Suicide | 187 |
| Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis) | 171 |
| Gallbladder Disorder | 71 |
| Anemias | 67 |
| Enterocolitis | 53 |
| Peptic Ulcer | 37 |
| Hernia | 31 |
| Prostate Hyperplasia | 28 |
Looking at the mortality data for men aged 85, it’s clear that heart disease remains the leading cause of death, with over 12,000 deaths recorded in 2021. Cancer ranks as the second most common cause of mortality, with over 6,000 deaths reported.
COVID-19 was also a significant contributor to mortality among older men, with over 4,000 deaths attributed to the virus.
Other leading causes of death for this group include Alzheimer’s, chronic lower respiratory disease, and accidents, including overdoses. Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and kidney disease also contributed to mortality rates in this age group.
The data also reveals that influenza (non-COVID) and septicemia were among the leading causes of death among older men, with over 600 and 400 deaths reported, respectively.
Rarer causes of mortality in this group include nutritional deficiency, gallbladder disorders, anemias, enterocolitis, peptic ulcers, hernias, and prostate hyperplasia.
Common Causes of Death for 85-Year-Old Women
| Cause of Death | Total Deaths |
|---|---|
| Heart Disease | 13,685 |
| Cancer | 6,489 |
| COVID-19 | 4,028 |
| Alzheimer's Disease | 3,534 |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Disease | 2,283 |
| Accidents (Incl. Overdoses) | 1,233 |
| Diabetes | 1,026 |
| Kidney Disease | 770 |
| Parkinson's Disease | 742 |
| Flu (Non-COVID) | 533 |
| Septicemia | 516 |
| Nutritional Deficiency | 399 |
| Pneumonitis Due To Solids & Liquids | 274 |
| Liver Disease (incl. Cirrhosis) | 142 |
| Anemias | 87 |
| Gallbladder Disorder | 69 |
| Enterocolitis | 67 |
| Hernia | 50 |
| Peptic Ulcer | 39 |
Analyzing the mortality data shows that heart disease is the leading cause of death for 85-year-old women, with over 13,000 deaths reported. Cancer ranks second, with over 6,000 deaths, and COVID-19 follows in third place, with over 4,000 deaths reported.
Alzheimer’s and chronic lower respiratory disease are also leading causes of death, with 3,500 and 2,300 deaths, respectively.
Accidents, including overdoses, are also a significant cause of mortality for women in this age group, with over 1,200 deaths reported.
Other leading causes of death among 85-year-old women include diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, and flu (non-COVID). Septicemia and nutritional deficiencies are among the top causes of death, with over 500 and 300 deaths reported.
Rikin Shah
Burial Insurance
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