Older Adults are Choking More Often – What You Should Know and How to Help

Choking is a serious issue, especially for older adults. Every year, more than 4,100 Americans aged 65 and older lose their lives to choking — that’s about 75% of all choking deaths in the U.S. While the overall risk per person hasn’t changed much, the numbers are rising because the population of older adults is growing.

Why Older Adults Are More Vulnerable

As we know, choking happens when something blocks the airway and prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs. Common signs include clutching the throat, struggling to speak, and gasping for air. If the blockage isn’t cleared quickly, brain damage can begin in just four minutes — and death can follow soon after.

One major sign that a person is not choking (as much as they may have swallowed something the wrong way) is that they can still talk - you can hear a tone or a whisper when they speak, not just mouthed words or a squeek.

As we get older, however, muscles used for swallowing can weaken, saliva production may decrease, and certain health conditions or medications can make swallowing harder. Dentures and partials can also add to the risk, which is why adults over 65 are the most vulnerable.

Smart Ways to Prevent Choking

The good news is that there are easy steps to reduce the risk:

• Cut food into small pieces.

• Chew slowly and thoroughly.

• Sip water with meals.

• Try not to talk or laugh with food in your mouth.

  
  

If someone starts choking, the two most recommended responses are:

• Back blows – firm slaps between the shoulder blades.

• The Heimlich maneuver – abdominal thrusts that help expel the object.

  
  

The American Red Cross advises alternating between five back blows and five abdominal thrusts.

But what if someone is choking and alone? It’s possible to perform a self-Heimlich by pressing your abdomen against a firm edge, like the back of a chair.

What About Anti-Choking Devices?

Here's where products like LifeVac, SaveLix, and VitalVac come in. These devices, which look a bit like a face mask with a plunger or handle, can create suction to pull out the blockage when other methods aren't possible or haven't cleared the blockage. LifeVac says its masks should be used after other airway obstruction methods have failed.

These products aren’t risk-free. Some reports have noted injuries like tongue bruising or throat swelling. Others didn’t generate enough suction to be effective. The FDA has flagged these concerns and hasn’t officially approved any over-the-counter anti-choking device as safe or effective. Manufacturers stress that their devices are FDA-registered, but registration is not the same as approval.

Where Do Experts Stand?

Right now, experts agree that the best first response is still the tried-and-true methods: back blows and abdominal thrusts. Devices like LifeVac may be helpful as a last resort, especially for people who are alone or physically unable to use other techniques.

Some emergency responders and nursing homes have started using the devices, and say they’ve helped save thousands of lives, but more research is needed before FDA approval is given. Interestingly, even the Heimlich maneuver and back slaps are still being studied. One recent study actually found that back blows might work better than the Heimlich maneuver in many cases.

The bottom line? It’s great to be prepared. Learn the basics of choking first aid and stay informed about new tools (you can also perform the Heimlich on your pets). If you have an older friend or relative who lives alone, you may want to purchase one of the devices for peace of mind. And, send the suggested steps for reducing risk to all of your loved ones.

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Source: American Red Cross, Associated Press,