Release
New data from CDC's National Center for Health Statistics shows that hypertension is the most common chronic condition among adults age 85 or older, according to data from the National Health Interview Survey, which provides nationally representative estimates on various health indicators and behaviors.
The findings are featured in a new report, "Chronic Conditions in Adults Age 85 and Older: United States, 2022–2023," which examines the prevalence of 11 selected chronic conditions.
Additional findings from the chronic conditions report include:
- Among noninstitutionalized adults age 85 and older, the most common chronic conditions reported were hypertension (66.9%), arthritis (55.9%), and high cholesterol (46.5%).
- Men report higher rates than women of high cholesterol, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Among adults age 85 and older, 37.3% reported four or more chronic conditions, while 7.4% reported having none of the chronic conditions examined.
A second report, "Unintentional Fall Deaths Among Adults Age 65 and Older: United States, 2023," that uses National Vital Statistics System – Mortality data shows that the rate of unintentional fall deaths increased between 2003 and 2023. The National Vital Statistics System – Mortality data contain the most complete information on mortality in the United States.
Findings from the unintentional fall deaths report include:
- The unintentional fall death rate in 2023 for adults age 65 and older was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 population.
- The unintentional fall death rate for adults age 65 and older was higher for men compared with women, overall and for each age group 65-74, 75-84 and age 85 and older. Rates increased with increasing age group.
- In 2023, rates of unintentional fall deaths for adults age 65 and older ranged across states; they were lowest in Alabama (29.5 deaths per 100,000) and highest in Wisconsin (158.4).
The National Center for Health Statistics collects important information through surveys and data collection to help us understand health issues. These reports offer researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals' useful insights into the health challenges and risks that older adults face.
The reports will be available on the NCHS web site at www.cdc.gov/nchs.