Age and Social Vulnerability in the Context of Coronavirus

Novel Coronavirus infections, and resulting Covid-19 disease, appear to be afflicting older populations more strongly than younger. Children and adults have done extremely well in terms of recovery, but mortality rates nearly double with each decade of age after 30, posing a disproportionate risk for those older than 60.

As such, it may be helpful to identify areas in the United States where a population is home to an especially high proportion of those aged 60 or more. This, in the context of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's  Social Vulnerability Index , could provide a glimpse of American communities that might experience a punctuated demand for healthcare in the Spring of 2020.

 Highlands County, Florida , has a total population of 105,069, of whom 43% are aged 60+. Their CDC Social Vulnerability Index is .85.

 Marion County, Florida , has a total population of 368,463, of whom 38% are aged 60+. Their CDC Social Vulnerability Index is .77.

 Mohave County, Arizona , has a total population of 215,440, of whom 37% are aged 60+. Their CDC Social Vulnerability Index is .91.

 Douglas County, Oregon , has a total population of 114,656, of whom 34% are aged 60+. Their CDC Social Vulnerability Index is .75.

Once more, here is the intersection of age and social vulnerability. While these may not be the current areas of interest in the ongoing outbreak, there is potential in these locations for disproportionate need.

In these days of planning and contingencies, it is especially important to consider the most vulnerable among us.  Visit  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's resources regarding Coronavirus disease, and consider what you can do for your family, neighbors, and community. In many cases this may be avoiding physical contact, but it certainly does not exclude emotional or communicative support. Ensure that those you love, and maybe even those you don't, who are at particular risk have adequate resources and access to potential medical support.

If you are interested in learning more about the CDC's Social Vulnerability Index, visit  this resource  for background information and access it in a geographic format at many levels of detail,  here , at the ArcGIS Living Atlas of the World. Additionally, find resources for mapping and understanding the geography of this outbreak at  this  dedicated ArcGIS Hub.

Be well and do good,  John