Life years lost due to COVID-19 mortality
“Substantial number of life years lost but impact on long-term life expectancy limited”
This study sought to provide more clarity about the number of life years lost due to COVID-19 mortality and its effect on future life expectancy. That is difficult to measure because it depends on the still uncertain relation between Covid-19 mortality and other health problems. We therefore developed three scenarios: (1) the age-specific Covid mortality is independent of health, (2) Covid mortality is related to an underlying condition(COPD, diabetes or chronic heart failure), and (3) selective mortality in nursing homes.

Key Takeaways for the Industry
- The positive impact of selective COVID-19 mortality on future life expectancy seems to be limited.
- The long-term detrimental health effects of COVID-19 infection on future life expectancy remain to be seen.
Need to know more?
Read the paper “Verloren levensjaren als gevolg van sterfte door COVID-19” (Dutch only) van Bram Wouterse, Frederique Ram, Pieter van Baal – Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management.