Global Population Aging, National Development Level, and Vulnerability to the Pandemic

Purpose: This study examined the roles of population aging and national development level in affecting different phases of novel coronavirus disease development with a view to advancing preparedness and corresponding policy Methods: Regression analysis was conducted using multisource data from the World Bank and Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard Results: Population aging is positively associated with confirmed cases of day-10, day-20, and day-30 The positive association between population aging and death does not emerge until day-20 Countries with a higher proportion of older males face higher risks of death Countries with a higher proportion of males aged 70-74 years are at the highest risk of confirmed cases National development level is not associated with confirmed cases, but developing countries face significantly higher risks of death of day-10 and day-20 Conclusion: Prevention and control policies for older adults and underdeveloped areas and sex differences need to be studied