The number of sufferers and cases of death due to COVID-19 continues to increase every day. Although the Corona virus infects regardless of age, so far it has been recorded that the highest death rate in the world due to COVID-19 occurs in the elderly aged over 70 years.
COVID-19 is a disease that attacks the respiratory system. Common symptoms of this condition are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In addition, there are also flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose, muscle aches, and sore throat.
This infection can happen to anyone, from infants, children, adults, to people who are elderly. However, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is easier to attack and causes severe symptoms in the elderly, especially those who are over 70 years old.
Death Rate Due to COVID-19 in Elderly Over 70 Years
Worldwide, it is noted that the death rate from COVID-19 or case fatality rate (CFR) at the age of 50–69 years is about 0.31–1%. While at the age of 70-79 years, the death rate rose to 2.95%, and at the age of 80-89 years, the death rate could reach 4.47%.
Based on these data, the death rate for the elderly over 70 years due to this pandemic is 2 times higher than the younger age.
In China, the death rate from COVID-19 is 8% for people aged 70 and over and 14.8% for people over 80. This can also be seen in other countries, such as Italy, where the average COVID-19 patient who dies is around 80 years old. In Indonesia alone, the mortality rate (fatality rate) in the age group above 60 years is about 17%.
The death rate in this age group is indeed the highest compared to other age groups. However, it should be noted that the number of people affected by COVID-19 is actually more than recorded. This can be caused by various things, ranging from the lack of examination tools, inaccurate examination results, to the public's fear of going to the hospital for examination.
Assuming that the number of elderly people suffering from COVID-19 is actually more than recorded, the death rate for the elderly in Indonesia from this disease could be lower than 17%.
Preventing COVID-19 in Elderly Over 70
As mentioned above, COVID-19 can actually attack anyone regardless of age. However, with age, the immune system tends to weaken, so the risk of the elderly developing this disease will be greater.
In addition, the elderly who are infected with the Corona virus are also more prone to experience more severe symptoms that can cause death, especially the elderly with comorbidities that can exacerbate COVID-19 symptoms, such as COPD or heart disease. According to research, about 70% of this condition is experienced by the elderly over 70 years.
Therefore, efforts to protect the elderly from COVID-19 need to be carried out with more discipline. Some of the important preventive measures applied to the elderly are:
- Stay at home if there is no urgent need.
- Limit gatherings with other people or welcoming guests into your home.
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Apply physical distancing, even if only at home.
- Manage stress well.
- Eat nutritious food.
- Take medication regularly for the disease suffered.
- Postpone visiting the doctor for health checks, unless the condition worsens. If necessary, do a teleconsultation with a doctor to monitor health conditions.
The elderly population, especially those over the age of 70, is the group most vulnerable to COVID-19. A weakened immune system and the presence of chronic diseases can increase the risk of older people getting COVID-19 and experiencing more severe symptoms that can be fatal.
If you are over 70 years old or have family at home who are over 70 years old, take the steps to prevent COVID-19 in a disciplined manner as described above. If an elderly person is suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms, contact immediately hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.
In addition, you can also take advantage of the consultation facilities on line in the ALODOKTER application to ask questions about the health of the elderly or how to care for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this application, you can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital if needed.
