A two-decade analysis of trends in drowning-related deaths among the U.S. geriatric population: 1999-2020

Drowning among geriatric individuals is of concern, particularly as rising life expectancy contributes to a growing aging population worldwide. Older adults face heightened vulnerability due to age-related neurocognitive decline, physical impairments, and often inadequate supervision or care. This study examines drowning-related deaths among older adults in the United States and highlights strategies to mitigate these preventable fatalities Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using death certificate data from the CDC-WONDER database. The study evaluated demographic and regional disparities in drowning-related death rates among individuals aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2020. Crude and age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 individuals were determined, and temporal changes in trends were evaluated using Joinpoint v5.4.

Between 1999 and 2020, 20,466 deaths were attributed to drowning among the geriatric population in the United States, with an AAMR of 12.23 per 100,000 individuals. The average annual percent change (AAPC) in mortality rate was 1.51% (95% CI: 1.21, 1.82), indicating a significant increase over the study period. The AAMR for geriatric drowning deaths rose steadily, with notable disparities across sex, race, geographic region, and urban-rural classification. Males had higher mortality rates than females, and non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Natives exhibited the highest overall AAMR among racial groups. The highest mortality was observed in the Western region, while rural areas had slightly higher rates than urban regions.

The rising incidence of drowning among older adults presents a significant public health challenge. Age-related declines in mobility, balance, cognition, and chronic health conditions increase vulnerability in aquatic environments.

This study highlights the need for age-specific drowning prevention strategies, including improved supervision, environmental modifications, and community-based education programs tailored for older adults. Enhancing access to water safety training and fall-prevention initiatives in high-risk populations could substantially reduce drowning-related mortality in this vulnerable age group.