The odds of beating coronavirus go significantly down as the age of the patient goes up.
Several people are beating those odds, however, including one 84-year-old grandfather who is seen in a viral video getting an emotional send-off from hospital staff.
They all clap and cheer, careful to keep a distance, as the unidentified man is wheeled down the hall towards his waiting family. You can hear the emotion in the voice of the woman operating the camera. As the man approaches, she says “Yes, it’s really me!” before a half-hearted attempt at a high-five falls by the wayside. “I’m so happy to see you! God be praised!” she adds.
The risks remain high for those over 65 years of age.
According to the CDC:
8 out of 10 deaths reported in the U.S. have been in adults 65 years old and older. Among adults with confirmed COVID-19 reported in the U.S.:
Estimated percent requiring hospitalization:
31-70% of adults 85 years old and older
31-59% of adults 65-84 years old
Estimated percent requiring admission to an intensive care unit:
6-29% of adults 85 years old and older
11-31% of adults 65-84 years old
Estimated percent who died
10-27% of adults 85 years old and older
4-11% of adults 65-84 years old
Continue praying God’s goodness shines through in the midst of this pandemic.