Covid-19 and Immunity in the Elderly

Abstract

Population ageing is an issue of worldwide importance. People are living longer due to advances in education, technology, medicine, food distribution, and public health. While the COVID-19 pandemic has significant global impacts, in many countries the elderlyface threats and challenges that are unique and disproportionately severe. One such threat is that aging results in a decline in immune function, meaning elderly bodies respond more slowly and less effectively to external threats like COVID-19. Responses at individual, family, community and societal levels should take into account the heightened vulnerability of older adults during this pandemic.