Fall-related mortality in older persons during the COVID-19 pandemic

Backgrounds and purpose. The indirect effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on human health have gone beyond direct biological injury. We have hence investigated whether the fall-related mortality rate among older people may have been amplified during the early phase of the pandemic. Methods. We conducted an electronic search of the US CDC Wonder online database to determine the fall-related mortality of older persons in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the specific ICD-10 codes W01, W03, W05, W06, W07, W08 and W10. Results. A consistent trend toward an increase in fall-related mortality was found for the three age groups we examined (65-74; 75-84; ≥ 85 years) between 2018 and 2021, with the largest increase observed in persons aged 85 years or older. Conclusions. The increased risk of dying from falls recorded after the first year of the pandemic requires social and health interventions aimed at halting or even reversing physical and mental decline in the elderly.