CDC: 1 in Every 100 Older Americans Have Died Due to COVID-19

According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus crisis impacts older people much more than the rest of the population.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an administration official told LTC NEWS that there is concern that too many people are ignoring common-sense precautions with COVID -19.

"There is a more relaxed attitude about wearing masks and taking precautions throughout the country. The consequences on our older population is a major concern," the source explained.

CDC data shows that 75% of those who have died from COVID-19 in the United States have been aged 65 or older. The numbers are staggering — of the nearly 800,000 deaths to date, about 600,000 have been 65 or older. Compare that to younger demographics; the ratio is about 1 in 1400.

Older Americans Vaccinated in Higher Numbers 

The data reinforces the risks of COVID-19 to the older population despite being vaccinated in higher numbers. The Mayo Clinic's vaccine tracker shows that the 65+ population is the most-vaccinated of any age bracket. Experts wonder out loud how much more dire these numbers would be without the COVID-19 vaccine. 

"People 65 and older who received both doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines showed a 94% reduced risk of COVID-19 related hospitalization," the CDC said.

Over 89% of the 65-74 population in the U.S. and 84% of the 75 and older group is fully vaccinated, according to the Mayo Clinic vaccine tracker. Many people in these older demographics have pre-existing health problems and receive long-term health care either in their homes or long-term care facilities. With the U.S. facing new cases of infection with the new Omicron Variant, concern increases with the older population.

Much of the older population is still enduring some isolation because of COVID-19; however, younger people have returned to near normal everyday lives, some of that isolation has relaxed. Families want to see their loved ones and older people risk infection as they associate with younger family members who are not wearing masks or are vaccinated in the same numbers as older people.

Pre-existing Health Problems Complicate COVID-19 Infections

More older people need long-term health care services due to multiple health issues complicated by COVID-19. The pressure on long-term care facilities and home health care providers to keep up with higher demand is increasing costs. According to the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator, labor shortages and higher wages are also rising costs rapidly nationwide.

Many older Americans are getting the COVID-19 booster shot, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation KFF. The KFF says one-third of fully vaccinated adults aged 50 and older have received the booster.  

According to CDC data, 18% more older people died of all causes in 2020 than would have died in a usual year. COVID-19 is responsible for almost 13% of all deaths for people aged 65 and older, the third largest cause of death in this age group. The total number of deaths is higher than accidents, Alzheimer's and other dementia, and diabetes - health problems traditionally representing significant death rates for this group.