Deadly falls on the rise
Deaths from falls have increased fourfold since 2002, according to figures released last Friday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). More than 1,500 people aged 75 years or older died last year from fall related injuries, compared to 365 deaths in 2002. Women accounted for 57% of these deaths.
Deaths from falls have increased fourfold since 2002, according to figures released last Friday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
More than 1,500 people aged 75 years or older died last year from fall related injuries, compared to 365 deaths in 2002. Women accounted for 57% of these deaths.
Deaths caused by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia have alsorisen. There were reportedly 9,864 deaths caused by dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in 2011, comprising 7% of all deaths. Most of these deaths occurred in people aged 75 or over.
Deaths from heart disease have fallen steadily since 2002, but have remained the leading cause of death in Australia over the past decade.
Lung cancer made up 6% of all deaths and 19% of all deaths from cancer – making it the fourth leading cause of death for Australians in 2011.
Prostate cancer was the fifth most common cause of death for men. Among women, breast cancer is the sixth most common cause of death.
Suicide was the 15th most common cause of death in 2011 and the 10th leading cause for males. Males accounted for about three quarters of suicide deaths, and remained the leading cause of death for males aged 15-44.
More information can be found in Causes of Death, Australia, available for free download from the ABS website.
