COVID‐19 Presents High Risk to Older Persons
William B. Applegate, Joseph G. Ouslander
Abstract
The worldwide spread of COVID-19 is alarming to all of us and has created an enormous public health and clinical crisis. Emerging data indicate that COVID-19 is a particular risk for older persons, particularly those with multimorbidity. Recent reports of COVID-19 infections indicate that both community-dwelling older persons as well as those residing in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other congregate living settings are at high risk. The editors of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS) want to make sure our readers are aware of resources for clinicians and our patients1-6 that provide superb guidance. As this outbreak progresses, JAGS will monitor events and provide periodic updates focused on older persons as needed.