Unintentional falls are a major public health concern and are among the top 10 leading causes of death for South Dakotans aged 65 years and older (2024). Between 2015 and 2024, there were 1,709 unintentional fall-related deaths in this age group across the state. The number of fall-related deaths increased by 9%, from 165 deaths in 2023 to 180 deaths in 2024. In 2023, South Dakota had the 13th highest age-adjusted rate in the nation for unintentional fall-related deaths among individuals aged 65 years and older, at 110.2 per 100,000—well above the national rate of 78.8 per 100,000. Many falls can be prevented through simple measures such as staying active, reviewing medications, and making homes safer. The Department of Health continues to work with partners statewide to reduce fall-related injuries and deaths and promote safe, healthy aging.
Unintentional Falls Among Older Adults Report, 2025
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Unintentional Falls Among Adults Aged 65 Years & Older, 2025
Unintentional falls are among the top 10 leading causes of death for South Dakotans aged 65 years and older (2024). From 2015 to 2024, there were 1,709 unintentional fall-related deaths among South Dakotans aged 65 years and older. The number of fall-related deaths increased by 9%, from 165 deaths in 2023 to 180 deaths in 2024 (Figure 1). In 2023, South Dakota had the 13th highest age-adjusted rate (110.2 per 100,000) for unintentional fall-related deaths among individuals aged 65 years and older. The national rate was 78.8 per 100,000.
Unintentional Falls Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older, 2024
Unintentional falls are among the top 10 leading causes of death for South Dakotans aged 65 years and older. From 2014 to 2023, there were 1,678 unintentional fall-related deaths among South Dakotans aged 65 years and older. The number of fall-related deaths increased by 11%, from 149 deaths in 2014 to 165 deaths in 2023. In 2022, South Dakota had the sixth-highest age-adjusted rate (130.6 per 100,000) for unintentional fall-related deaths among individuals aged 65 years and older. The national rate was 77.5 per 100,000.
Unintentional Falls Among Adults Aged 65 Years And Older, 2023
Unintentional falls are one of the leading causes of death for South Dakotans aged 65 years and older. From 2013 to 2022, there were 1,640 unintentional fall-related deaths among South Dakotans aged 65 years and older. The number of fall-related deaths increased 55% from 127 deaths in 2013 to 197 deaths in 2022. In 2021, South Dakota had the third highest age-adjusted rate (140.8 per 100,000) for unintentional fall-related deaths among individuals aged 65 years and older, the national rate was 78.3 per 100,000.