Infographics

Aging & COVID-19: Vaccination, Mental and Physical Health, and Isolation

Coronavirus / Social Determinants of Health

Published on: February 17, 2021. Updated on: December 10, 2021.

8 out of 10 COVID-19 deaths

reported in the US have been adults 65 and older

About This Data Insights

COVID-19 has changed older adult’s daily routines, the care and support they receive, and their ability to stay socially connected with others. Older adults are being challenged to spend more time alone and to forgo any physical contact with family members, friends and colleagues. All while dealing with the fear and anxiety of getting sick and potentially dying. Since the beginning of the pandemic the health impact of COVID-19 on older adults has been of great concern, especially those in long-term care facilities and congregate settings. As of February 11th, COVID-19 has claimed 166,403 lives in long-term care facilities, 36% of all reported COVID-19 cases in the United States.

This infographic explores aging during COVID-19, vaccine hesitancy in older adults and those who take care of them, the long term effects the pandemic will have on long-term care settings and how we address aging in the United States.

Citations

Where and How People Age: United States Census Bureau, 2017 National Population Projections Tables: Main Series, February 20, 2020

Greater Risk for COVID-19: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Older Adults, December 13, 2020

8 in 10 COVID-19 Deaths: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Older Adults, December 13, 2020

NOTE: Data was last updated December 2020

COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities: The COVID Tracking Project, The Long-Term Care COVID Tracker, February 11, 2021

NOTE: Data was last updated as of February 11, 2021
NOTE: Total cases and deaths represent a combined total for both residents and staff
NOTE: The dataset compiles all currently available in long-term care facilities—nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and other care homes

41% of Workers in LTC Facilities: Surgo Ventures, U.S. Healthcare Workers: COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake & Attitudes, January 2021

NOTE: Survey taken of healthcare workers from December 17-30, 202

Views on Getting the Vaccine: Kaiser Family Foundation, KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor: December 2020, December 15, 2020

NOTE: KFF poll taken November 30 - December 8, 2020

Reasons for Vaccine Hesitancy: Kaiser Family Foundation, KFF COVID-19 Vaccine Monitor: December 2020, December 15, 2020

NOTE: KFF poll taken November 30 - December 8, 2020
NOTE: Data taken from those who are 50+ and who would definitely not or probably not get the COVID-19 vaccine

6 in 10 Older Adults Experienced Social Isolation: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

NOTE: AARP conducted a national survey of U.S. adults from August 21-25, 2020
NOTE: Survey data used is only for adults 50+

Older Adults Reported Increased Levels of Negative Emotions: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

NOTE: AARP conducted a national survey of U.S. adults from August 21-25, 2020
NOTE: Survey data used is only for adults 50+

Women Are More Likely to Experience Negative Emotions During the Pandemic: AARP Foundation & United Health Foundation, The Pandemic Effect: A Social Isolation Report, October 6, 2020

Chronic Conditions: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Percent of U.S. Adults 55 and Over with Chronic Conditions, November 6, 2015

NOTE: Data taken from the percentage of Adults age 65 years and over

Which Chronic Conditions Affect Older Adults: Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Prevalence State/County Level: All Beneficiaries by Age, 2007-2018, January 15, 2021

Social Isolation & Loneliness: Care Patrol, Solutions for Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults During COVID-19, July 27, 2020

Where and How People Age: Werner, R. M., Hoffman, A. K., & Coe, N. B. (2020). Long-term care policy after covid-19 — solving the nursing home crisis. N Engl J Med, 383(10), 903-905. doi:10.1056/NEJMp2014811

Addressing Perceptual Barriers and Vaccine Knowledge: Surgo Ventures, U.S. Healthcare Workers: COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake & Attitudes, January 2021