Introduction to Epidemiology and Concepts of Infectious Disease Practice Test

Age is a major predictor of mortality from COVID-19. As people get older, their immune response often weakens and they’re more likely to have other health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease. These factors combine to make severe illness and death more likely.

Across many studies and real-world data from the pandemic, the highest death rates occurred among those 65 and older. Although middle-aged adults (roughly 45–64) have greater risk than younger people, they still have a lower mortality risk than the oldest group. Children and young adults experience the lowest mortality risk from COVID-19.

So, the age group with the greatest number of deaths is older adults, particularly those 65 and older.