ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

Unintended falls were found to be the leading cause of injury-related deaths in New Mexicans aged 65 and older, according to state Department of Health data.

The New Mexico Department of Health did find that the rate from deadly falls dropped 41% over its four-year study period. Those findings were collected between 2019 and 2023.

However, the hospitalization rate increased by 6% during the report. NMDOH said this shows serious injuries caused by falls are still increasing and a concern among older age groups.

The health organization said the findings align with New Mexico's national rank for fall-related death rate improving from No. 25 in 2022 to No. 35 the following year. That data is also for adults aged 65 and older.

Dr. Miranda Durham, NMDOH chief medical off

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