The susceptibility of older people to infection, serious complications, and death from COVID-19 is troubling.
A USA Today analysis found that in 341 counties -- 11 percent of all U.S. counties -- at least a quarter of residents are 65 or older. Meanwhile, the Census estimates that only 16 percent of the national population is over 65.
Coronavirus cases could soar in these US counties with high populations of senior citizens:
- Texas has the most number of senior-heavy counties with 27
- followed by Nebraska
- Michigan
- Montana
- Florida
- and North Carolina
Many healthcare specialists are very worried that high rates of contagion in such counties could be catastrophic, particularly in regions where getting help often means long trips to lightly staffed and equipped centers.
"Rural America is older, sicker, and poorer," said National Rural Health Association CEO Alan Morgan.
"Now combine that with 2,000 rural hospitals where 1,300 have 25 or fewer beds, half of which have just one ventilator on site. Our system was designed for efficiency, not surge capacity."
"Now combine that with 2,000 rural hospitals where 1,300 have 25 or fewer beds, half of which have just one ventilator on site. Our system was designed for efficiency, not surge capacity."
Another major problem for rural seniors during the pandemic is sporadic broadband access, which is crucial for telemedicine visits.
Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference Transitions to Virtual Event
As a Supporting Industry Partner, AmpliVox Sound Systems recognizes the importance of senior care and joins Argentum to shape the collective voice advancing excellence in senior living.
Through the virtual event, we can continue to educate and advance the industry on important matters through a medium more accessible and convenient given the extraordinary circumstances we are facing as an industry and as a country.
We can incorporate much of what we are learning as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as focus on what support the industry needs to get through – and eventually beyond – this crisis.
