More seniors dying since COVID-19
Amid growing calls for the government and the wider community to do more to improve the welfare of seniors, new information from the Central Statistics Office shows that the death rate among the el...
Amid growing calls for the government and the wider community to do more to improve the welfare of seniors, new information from the Central Statistics Office shows that the death rate among the elderly has been steadily climbing since 2020 — the year the COVID-19 pandemic began. The data reveal that in 2019, the territory recorded 68 deaths among persons 65 and older.
The number rose sharply to 95 in 2021 and spiked to 115 in 2022 before settling at 97 in 2023. Total deaths within the elderly population were 103 in 2024. By comparison, the years before 2017 — the year of the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria — recorded consistently lower totals.
In 2015, there were 76 senior deaths, followed by 73 in 2016. Breaking the figures down by age groups, the data shows that seniors 85 years and older remain the most vulnerable. This category recorded as high as 34 deaths in 2015 and continued to average more than 25 annually in the years since.
In 2021 and 2022, the number rose to 32 and 33, respectively, before tapering off to 21 in 2024. Another concerning trend is in the 80–84 age group, which saw relatively low figures before the pandemic — averaging fewer than 10 deaths annually between 2015 and 2019. However, by 2022, that number more than doubled to 21 and has remained above 20 since then.
A similar increase was seen for persons between 70 and 74 – with just nine deaths in 2019 but a drastic 20 deaths in 2024. The statistics underscore mounting concerns about the state of healthcare, social support, and overall quality of life for the Virgin Islands’ ageing community amid fallouts from the global pandemic.
In recent times, several legislators have raised alarms about the need for stronger protections and services for seniors. Some have argued that many elderly residents are struggling with the cost of healthcare, housing, and even basic necessities. Calls have also been made for improved facilities, such as expanded care homes and more resources for home-based support.
In response, the government has taken steps, including increased budget allocations for senior programmes, ongoing upgrades at the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, and community outreach through the Social Development Department. Initiatives such as seniors’ appreciation events and wellness programmes have also been introduced, though many lawmakers and advocacy groups continue to argue that these efforts fall short of what is needed for the territory's elderly.
Primary source: BVI News