Mar 24 2020
Q: How many people in NY city (or state) over age 65 die per day on average? NY reported 61 deaths to corona virus in the past 24 hours. is this a major concern or within the norm?
A: Here are a few facts based on 2017 statistics:
Approximately 1,182,200 or 14% of New York City (NYC) population is 65+ years old;
New York City’s life expectancy at birth in 2017 was 81.2 years, remaining the same since 2016 and increasing by 1.0 year since 2008
The life expectancy among males was 78.5 years, remaining the same since 2016, and a 1.0-year increase since 2008
The life expectancy among females was 83.6 years, increasing by 0.1-year since 2016, and a 1.0-year increase since 2008
The three leading causes of death in NYC are heart disease, cancer, and influenza/pneumonia;
The total number of deaths from influenza/pneumonia across all age groups was 1,945;
1,666 deaths in 65+ population were from influenza/pneumonia;
The above does not include 1,770 deaths from chronic lower respiratory diseases, including 1,453 deaths in the 65+ age group;
NYC total reported deaths were 54,319 - an average of 149 deaths per day;
The total of 39,444 deaths occurred in 65+ population - an average of 108 deaths per day.
The bottom line: 61 deaths attributed to coronavirus represents 43% of average daily deaths from any causes. This must be adjusted for a seasonal increase in mortality in winter months, which is double of average daily rate.