A recent analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shed light on the alarming extent to which the elderly population has borne the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the CDC report, individuals aged 65 years and older accounted for a staggering 63 percent of all hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in the United States during the first eight months of 2023. Furthermore, this rate of hospitalization increased progressively with age.
Not only were older adults more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19, but they also represented over half of all admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) during the same period. Shockingly, nearly 90 percent of all deaths among hospitalized COVID-19 patients were among individuals aged 65 and over, underscoring the vulnerability of this age group to the devastating consequences of the virus.
The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent attention to protect our elderly population. While previous research has highlighted the increased susceptibility of older adults to COVID-19, this study emphasizes the critical need for targeted preventive measures and improved access to healthcare services and resources for this age group.
FAQ:
Q: What age group was most affected by COVID-19 hospitalizations?
A: According to the CDC report, individuals aged 65 years and older comprised approximately 63 percent of all COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States.
Q: What percentage of ICU admissions was represented by older adults?
A: Older adults represented over half of all admissions to intensive care units (ICUs) during the analyzed period.
Q: What proportion of deaths occurred among hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged 65 and over?
A: Nearly 90 percent of deaths among hospitalized COVID-19 patients were among individuals aged 65 and over.
Sources: CDC (cdc.gov)