Although the exact reason why older adults are more at risk from COVID-19 is unknown, several factors could contribute:
Immune systems: Immune systems grow weaker as people age, making it more difficult to fight off infections and serious complications more likely.
Existing health conditions: Older adults also may have pre-existing health conditions that could put them at risk for COVID-19. The CDC says health conditions like lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, renal failure, and liver failure can raise the risk of COVID-19. So can a compromised immune system, such as from cancer treatment.
Living in close communities: When someone with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or talks, it releases airborne droplets. Those droplets then can be inhaled by uninfected people in close contact – within 6 feet. The CDC says people living in facilities with large numbers of people, like nursing homes or long-term care facilities, are at risk.