The Impact of COVID-19 on Older Populations: How We Failed Our Elders and What We Can Learn From These Failures

Abstract

COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on older populations worldwide. Highly infectious with a long asymptomatic transmission period, this virus is a classic example of the impact a pandemic can have on an unprepared population. Unlike the SAR- avian influenza incident in 2003, local, national and international interdiction failed to control this virus's spread across borders. It was immediately apparent that the risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age. Even with older adults facing the highest risk, we saw an ongoing series of missteps introduced this pandemic into vulnerable clusters of older residential facilities. Further accelerating the virus's spread was a lack of clear understanding of transmission risk and public health officials' failure to understand the seriousness of COVID-19 as a disease vector. This presentation will provide an overview of why COVID-19 represents a specific risk to older populations. The spread of the disease occurred among older ages, resulting in indefensible rates of mortality and morbidity among these age groups. The presentation will discuss how lack of planning, inadequate border control, low rates of testing, and failure of political will contributed to the severity of this crisis. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of lessons learned, emerging resources, and policy opportunities to address this ongoing health challenge among older adults worldwide.