Impact of Covid-19 on Older Population: Review of the Initial Phase

Abstract

The pandemic COVID-19 has affected the whole of the world. Starting with a few cases in the confined parts in January 2020, as of 28 December 2020, there have been 79,673,754 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 1,761,381 deaths.¹ In India, from 3 January to 28 December 2020, there have been 10,207,871 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 147,901 deaths.Older people are disproportionately hit by COVID. The risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at the highest risk.² They are at higher risk due to decreased immunity, body reserves, and multiple associated co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.³ The COVID case fatality rate in a population of age 60 and older ranges from 2 to 20% across the countries.⁴ COVID-19 has changed older people’s routine, care, and support. The virus has caused inexpressible fear and distress. It has confronted the elderly badly physically, economically, and psychologically. The World Health Organization has published a policy brief analysing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on senior populations, highlighting vulnerability, abuse, neglect, and the impact on health, rights, and long-term care services. The chapter is an attempt to provide an overview of the impact COVID-19 has impressed upon the older population and is based on the reports and studies available in the public domain.