When “They Were Already Unwell” Just Isn’t Good Enough
There’s a phrase too often whispered when older people face Long COVID: “They were already ill.” It carries a quiet dismissal, as if age or pre-existing health problems somehow make their suffering less important. In reality, age or chronic conditions do not lessen the struggle of an illness that is still poorly understood.
Living with a health condition before catching COVID-19 does not erase a person’s right to quality of life. When Long COVID arrives, it rarely just adds to existing challenges it can completely change daily life, making even simple tasks exhausting and unpredictable.
The Hidden Toll on Older Adults
Long COVID is not only about tiredness, although fatigue is one of its most disabling features. It can bring ongoing breathlessness, muscle weakness, joint pain, dizziness, heart rhythm changes, and cognitive problems sometimes described as “brain fog.” These symptoms are often mistakenly attributed to “normal ageing,” meaning that the real cause goes unrecognised.
For someone already managing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or respiratory illness, Long COVID can make stability harder to maintain. It doesn’t just add another illness it can destabilise health entirely, affecting independence, mental wellbeing, and quality of life.
What the Numbers Tell Us
In the UK, data from the Office for National Statistics and research studies reveal a significant ongoing impact:
- Around 1.8% of the UK population is currently living with Long COVID symptoms, with 71% having had them for more than a year.
- Across England and Scotland, 2 million people report ongoing symptoms, and 381,000 say their daily activities are “limited a lot.”
- Women and those aged 45–54 remain among the most affected, but older adults are particularly at risk of severe functional decline.
- More than half of sufferers report symptoms lasting over two years, with around 1.3 million experiencing them for more than four weeks after infection.
- Cognitive studies from King’s College London show some people have measurable brain function decline equivalent to ten years of ageing, still present nearly two years after infection.
These figures highlight that Long COVID is not rare, and its impact is far from mild—especially in people who were already living with health challenges before infection.
Why We Need to Change the Conversation
When symptoms in older adults are dismissed as a natural consequence of getting older, it delays diagnosis and treatment. This delay can cause preventable suffering and speed up loss of independence.
We need a shift towards recognising Long COVID as a genuine medical condition in all age groups, including the elderly. Understanding that symptoms are not “just ageing” is key to providing the right care, rehabilitation, and support.
A Direction for Change
Improving life for older people with Long COVID will require:
- Holistic care pathways that bring together GPs, specialists, rehabilitation teams, and mental health support in one integrated service.
- Age-sensitive diagnostic tools to ensure symptoms are not wrongly attributed to unrelated conditions.
- Expansion of NHS Long COVID clinics with geriatric expertise.
- Public health campaigns to raise awareness that Long COVID can affect anyone, regardless of age or previous health status.
A Final Thought
Older adults are often described as resilient, and many are. But resilience should not mean being expected to quietly endure unnecessary suffering. With the right recognition, support, and treatment, people of any age ncluding those with pre-existing health conditions can still live meaningful, fulfilling lives alongside Long COVID.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have ongoing or concerning symptoms, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Long Covid Journey 