Charity warns of COVID-19 danger to older people after rise in deaths

Age Scotland, the leading national charity for older people, has reacted to today's grim figures showing that 60% of all deaths from COVID-19 were people aged 75 and over.

The charity said that the figures confirm the very real danger that the virus poses to older people and highlight how important it is to ensure that older people know their lives matter.

The data, published by the National Records of Scotland, showed that 354 deaths were linked to coronavirus by April 5.

It was the first set of figures to include deaths outside of hospitals and those in which COVID-19 was cited on the death certificate as a 'suspected' cause of death.
In total 224 people over the age of 75 lost their lives, accounting for 60% of all deaths.
Brian Sloan, chief executive of Age Scotland, said:

“Today’s grim figures showing that 60% of all deaths involving COVID-19 were people aged 75 and over brings into sharp focus how dangerous this virus is to older people.

“We must do everything we can to protect and care for older people during this pandemic and beyond. It is vitally important that older people in Scotland know that their lives matter and that they are integral to society. Those 224 people over 75 who lost their lives to coronavirus had families, friends and neighbours who will be desperately saddened by their deaths and will really miss them.

“Coronavirus will not be over in the coming days and weeks. It will be with us for many months. Tens of thousands of older people in Scotland are now staying at home and at increased risk of becoming more isolated and lonely as this challenging situation continues. Access to food and medication is as important as ever for them.

“We want older people to know that we are here for them. Our free Helpline is available to offer advice, information and friendship for anyone who needs it. Please call us on 0800 12 44 222. Older people need to know they are not facing this alone.