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Older Coloradans recover from pandemic death trends

Data shows older Coloradans nearing pre-pandemic death levels, but middle-aged groups still struggle.

August 2, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Older Coloradans nearly back to pre-pandemic death rates

Recent data reveals a shift in death rates among older Coloradans, yet middle-aged individuals still face significant risks.

Older Coloradans show signs of recovery from pandemic death rates

Older Coloradans have mostly returned to pre-pandemic death rates following a spike during 2020 and 2021. However, middle-aged individuals continue to die at unexpectedly high rates, mainly due to overdoses. Data from 2024 shows a general decline in some causes of death among older groups, though rates remain elevated compared to 2019 in younger demographics. State officials are concerned about the persistent rise in mortality among those aged 35 to 54, primarily driven by drug-related deaths, despite a recent downturn in overdose figures.

Key Takeaways

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Death rates among older Coloradans are near pre-pandemic levels.

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Middle-aged individuals are facing higher than expected death rates.

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Overdoses are the leading cause of increased mortality for those aged 35 to 54.

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Most age groups show a decline in cancer and Alzheimer’s deaths.

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Young adults under 25 face rising mortality from traffic accidents and homicides.

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The importance of naloxone in reducing overdose fatalities cannot be overstated.

"Despite promising decreases in overdose deaths appearing in nationwide data, thousands of people across the country are still dying from preventable overdoses."

Kirk Bol emphasizes the ongoing overdose crisis regardless of recent data trends.

"The data shows that deaths are decreasing, but it doesn’t show substance use is decreasing."

Dr. Anuj Mehta underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health and substance use.

The shifting landscape of death rates reveals a complex narrative about public health in Colorado. While older residents demonstrate resilience in the face of the pandemic's impact, the ongoing struggles of middle-aged groups highlight critical gaps in health care and support systems. Overdoses not only reflect individual choices but also indicate broader societal issues, including mental health and addiction treatment readiness. Offering targeted interventions could prove vital in addressing these persistent challenges.

Highlights

Middle-aged Coloradans are still facing alarming death rates.
Naloxone access is vital in saving lives from overdoses.
Despite lower overdose rates, mental health issues persist.
A complex health crisis demands a broader public health response.

Concerns over rising middle-aged death rates

Despite overall improvements, the sustained high death rates among middle-aged individuals highlight a public health crisis. This ongoing issue reflects systemic failures in addressing addiction and mental health support, triggering potential backlash from communities and health advocates.

Addressing addiction and mental health remains crucial for future public health.

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colorado death rates healthcare overdoses public health health politics social issues

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