Global Population Aging, National Development Level, and Vulnerability to the Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose This study examined the roles of population aging and national development level in affecting different phases of novel coronavirus disease development with a view to advancing preparedness and corresponding policy. Methods Regression analysis was conducted using multisource data from the World Bank and Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard. Results Population aging is positively associated with confirmed cases of day-10, day-20, and day-30. The positive association between population aging and death does not emerge until day-20. Countries with a higher proportion of older males face higher risks of death.. Countries with a higher proportion of males aged 70–74 years are at the highest risk of confirmed cases. National development level is not associated with confirmed cases, but developing countries face significantly higher risks of death of day-10 and day-20. Conclusion Prevention and control policies for older adults and underdeveloped areas and sex differences need to be studied.

Effect of financial services access on health services utilisation among rural older adults in Ghana

“…Presently, persons aged ≥60 years number around 524 million worldwide, and this figure is expected to reach about 2.1 billion by 2050 (Uhlenberg, 2013; UN DESAPD, 2019; Yuan et al, 2021). The ageing process is associated with increased chronic physical and mental health conditions with greater need for health services (Agyemang‐Duah et al, 2020; Crabb & Hunsley, 2006; Cunningham et al, 2020; Dempsey et al, 2003; Henderson et al, 2018).…”

Regional disparities, age-related changes and sex-related differences in knee osteoarthritis

“…There were also differences in diagnostic capacity due to significant differences in the level of medical care between high and low SDI countries. In less developed regions such as Africa and Latin America, medical resources were fragile and under-planned, resulting in a lack of timely diagnosis for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee [ 17 ]. There may also be a connection between this change and the importance that high SDI countries attach to knee arthritis, the social popularization of health knowledge, and the convenience of medical treatment.…”

Disparity in Occupational Health Risk During the Pandemic

“…Three indicators on community level are controlled in the regression analysis, as they are important determinants of mortality risk during the pandemic, which is demonstrated in previous studies, [38][39][40] including (1) the percentage of population excluding primary care providers, (2) the percentage of population aged >65 years, and (3) the percentage of population aged 18 to 64 years with more than one comorbid condition (ie, current smoking, obesity, diabetes).…”