Covid resulted in increased elderly deaths, study finds

A recent study by the Malaysian health ministry has discovered that the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent movement control order (MCO) contributed to higher mortality rates among the elderly. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of deaths in Perak, specifically among those aged 65 and above, increased from 20,989 in the previous four years to 22,319.

The pandemic, along with the MCO, potentially led to missed appointments and delayed procedures for many patients with chronic illnesses, particularly those with non-communicable diseases. The study, titled "Mortality trends from 2010-2023 and excess mortalities in Perak during the Covid-19 pandemic," suggests that disruptions in healthcare services and resource shortages due to the pandemic may have also played a role.

While the study focused on Perak, a region with a high proportion of elderly residents, it is likely that similar trends are present in other districts with large elderly populations. Conversely, the study found that Covid-19 deaths among those aged 19 and below were lower in Malaysia during the pandemic, likely due to reduced traffic and fewer road accidents.