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As human beings, we can all agree on one inevitable fact—we will all experience death at some point. However, the specifics of when and how remain a mystery. In this gallery, we will not provide those answers but rather present the most prevalent causes of death among different age groups in the United States. From the moment a baby is born to the late stages of old age, this list encompasses the leading causes of death.
Take a moment to explore the gallery and discover the primary causes of death in America for individuals within their age group.
The US has relatively high infant mortality rates compared to other developed countries. Possible factors contributing to this statistic include socioeconomic inequality and limited access to healthcare services.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that birth defects, low birth weight, maternal pregnancy complications, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and unintentional injuries are the main causes of death in newborns.
According to the CDC, the infant mortality rate in the US in 2022 was 5.6 deaths per 1,000 births, encompassing newborns and those who pass away before their first birthday.
Approximately 1 out of 33 newborns in the United States experience birth defects, making it the primary cause of infant mortality. These include various heart abnormalities, along with severe conditions like spina bifida (a defect in the spinal cord) and trisomy (a chromosomal condition).
The primary reason for mortality among toddlers is unintended harm. This includes incidents like being squashed by furniture, asphyxiation, and submersion, among various others.
It is common for children in this age bracket to be more adventurous, increasing their chances of getting injured, even within the confines of their own home. Additional factors leading to death include undetected health issues (such as heart defects).
As children age, they face increased risks of unintentional injuries. Car accidents, for example, become more prevalent. The CDC reported that a significant number of these deaths could have been prevented, such as by wearing seatbelts or not being driven by someone under the influence.
This is the age at which some children begin to develop cancer. Leukemia, brain tumors, lymphomas, neuroblastoma, kidney cancer, and bone cancer are the leading causes of death.
The teenage years can be challenging, and bullying in early school years can severely impact the mental well-being of children, tragically leading some to consider suicide.
Furthermore, motor vehicle accidents remain a leading cause of death among individuals in this particular age demographic.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for this particular age group. The death rate tends to increase with younger drivers. These drivers often neglect to buckle up, get easily sidetracked by their phones, and frequently engage in speeding.
Violent crime is included on the list, where young adults often die due to homicide, frequently involving firearms as the main cause.
Unintentional injury remains the primary cause of death in this age group, but instead of motor vehicle accidents, accidental poisonings have taken the lead.
Accidental poisonings encompass alcohol and drugs (both illegal and prescription), as well as other forms of poisoning like pesticide or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Accidental poisonings and car accidents are the leading causes of death among individuals in this age range.
However, there is another health concern that emerges during this time: heart disease. Furthermore, it is at this age that cancer begins to climb in ranking.
Accidental injuries decrease while chronic diseases increase among individuals in this age group. The primary cause of death for Americans aged 45 to 54 is cancer. The prevalent types of cancer are lung, colon, prostate, and bladder cancer.
Heart disease is the second leading cause. Factors such as age, gender, genetics, and lifestyle determine vulnerability within this age range.
Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death among those aged 55-64 years old.
In 2020, COVID-19 entered the top 3 as one of the leading causes of death, making it the only infectious disease to do so in many years.
Heart disease is highly prevalent among individuals in this age group due to their adoption of a more inactive lifestyle, often caused by mobility problems.
For individuals aged 65 to 74, cancer ranks second.
Furthermore, individuals between the ages of 75 and 84 begin to experience the impact of Alzheimer's disease, as stated previously.
Individuals in this age category are at a higher risk of being admitted to hospital and succumbing to less severe ailments such as the flu. Despite this, cancer and heart disease remain the main causes of mortality.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among individuals aged 85 or above, while cancer remains a significant threat to their lives.
Alzheimer's is also a deadly disease. In 2021, 36.4% of all Alzheimer's fatalities were in people of this age group.
If you reach the age of 100, should you concern yourself with your eventual cause of death? Well, if you're curious about the numbers, heart disease remains the leading cause of death.
Centenarians are also at a higher risk of dying of stroke, cancer, and influenza, among other disorders. And of course, of simple old age.
Sources: (CDC) (Grunge) (Insider)
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Cancer and heart disease are the leading causes of death among American adults
Babies, centenarians, and all ages in between
LIFESTYLE Cause of death
As human beings, we can all agree on one inevitable fact—we will all experience death at some point. However, the specifics of when and how remain a mystery. In this gallery, we will not provide those answers but rather present the most prevalent causes of death among different age groups in the United States. From the moment a baby is born to the late stages of old age, this list encompasses the leading causes of death.
Take a moment to explore the gallery and discover the primary causes of death in America for individuals within their age group.