What is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for individuals 65 years and older?

The leading cause of unintentional injury death for individuals aged 65 and older is indeed falls. This demographic is particularly vulnerable to falls due to a combination of factors including decreased balance, muscle strength, and coordination that often accompany aging. Additionally, older adults may have underlying health conditions or take medications that further increase their risk of falling.

When older adults fall, the consequences can be severe, often leading to serious injuries such as hip fractures or head trauma, which can have significant implications for their overall health and mobility. The increasing risk of falls has led to a greater focus on prevention strategies aimed at reducing hazards in the home, improving physical fitness to enhance balance and strength, and regular vision check-ups.

Other options, while they are serious concerns, do not have the same level of impact when considering unintentional injury deaths in this age group. Traffic accidents tend to have fewer casualties in older adults compared to younger populations. Heart attacks, while a critical health issue, are not classified as unintentional injuries. Sports injuries are less common due to lower participation rates in high-impact sports among older adults.