Dinâmica epidemiológica e impacto da COVID-19 na mortalidade de idosos: tendência e carga de doenças

Priscila Salge Mauad Rodrigues; Sérgio Antônio Zullo; Maria Paula Custodio Silva; Joilson Meneguci; Jair Sindra Virtuoso Junior

doi:10.36517/2175-6783.20252695971

Authors

Priscila Salge Mauad Rodrigues Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8060-360X
Sérgio Antônio Zullo Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7703-3172
Maria Paula Custodio Silva Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8694-1589
Joilson Meneguci Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2268-3589
Jair Sindra Virtuoso Junior Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7602-1789

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36517/2175-6783.20252695971

Keywords:

Aging; Mortality; Aged; Chronic Disease; COVID-19.

Abstract

Objective: to analyze temporal trends and factors associated with mortality among older adults, considering population aging and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: ecological time-series study using data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System for individuals aged ≥ 60 years from 2014 to 2023. Sociodemographic variables, underlying causes of death, and place of death were examined. Trends were assessed through graphical analysis of annual series and calculation of age-standardized mortality rates. Results: mortality among older adults increased over the study period, with a predominance of deaths among men and higher frequency in those with low educational attainment. The impact of COVID-19 was pronounced — especially in older adults with comorbidities — raising hospital mortality rates. External causes, including falls and traffic injuries, remained relevant, particularly among men aged 60–69 years. Conclusion: mortality in older adults reflects the interaction of multiple social determinants of health, which were exacerbated by the pandemic and highlight persistent structural inequalities. Contributions to practice: the findings support the need for intersectoral public policies to expand access to primary care, promote healthy aging, and reduce inequalities, guiding prevention and care strategies for the most vulnerable groups.

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