[Owen]

There is indeed an ideological debate coming.

Last year 25% more seniors 65+ died than die in a typical pre Covid year, adjusted for the opioid surge and raw population gain.

That 25% number doesn’t extend downward sub 65. There are deaths younger, but most are 65+.

The next variant will likely pose the question . . . should other ages have a responsibility to take any actions at all to reduce death counts 65+? Or is “protect the vulnerable” to be defined as isolate the elderly and keep them away from other people?

The other subtle issue, regardless of the politics and reality that seniors vote more densely than younger ages, is the impact senior deaths have on overall societal life expectancy. Will a safe 40 year old choose to take no actions at all, even if he knows he’s losing X years off his expected life?

It will be tricky.

[MinorityRepublican]

The next variant will likely pose the question . . . should other ages have a responsibility to take any actions at all to reduce death counts 65+? Or is “protect the vulnerable” to be defined as isolate the elderly and keep them away from other people?

It should be up to 65+ to decide to take the risks for themselves. They can go on the cruise they've always wanted to go on. Or they can stay at home.

Likely we'll see a lull in the summer. If that's the case, we'll have to watch for a new variant to emerge just in time for the next winter.

[fireman15]

That 25% number doesn't extend downward sub 65. There are deaths younger, but most are 65+.

EARTH CALLING OWEN!!! EARTH CALLING OWEN!!!

Life insurance industry reps have stated that death rates among 18 to 64 year olds are up 40%... This has been all over the news for over a month. How did you miss it?

https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/insurance-death-rates-working-age-people-up-40-percent

[daniel1212]

"The next variant will likely pose the question . . . should other ages have a responsibility to take any actions at all to reduce death counts 65+? Or is “protect the vulnerable” to be defined as isolate the elderly and keep them away from other people?"

Cruise ship extended care for some if they want.