Ankuda CK, Leff B, Ritchie CS, et al. - The homebound population in the United States was assessed to describe its size and characteristics in 2020, including household size, relevant for disease transmission risks, and digital access, which is vital for telemedicine and online vaccination registration.

• Assessment of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) suggested a substantial increase in the proportion of community-dwelling homebound adults aged 70 years or older in the United States in 2020; this was particularly noted among Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino individuals.

• This increase may be due to compliance with social distancing and other public health recommendations to reduce the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2.

• Notable racial and ethnic differences were identified; for instance, there appeared greater likelihood of residing alone for White non-Hispanic individuals, leaving them without caregiving assistance, and greater likelihood of Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino individuals to live in multiperson households, increasing their risk of being exposed to SARS-CoV-2.

• Greater regional incidence of SARS-CoV-2 or reduced resources to safely navigate leaving home (eg, private transportation and safe grocery shopping options) may possibly have resulted in higher rates of being homebound among Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino populations.

• Use of digital technologies appeared infrequent among the respondents, particularly among Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino individuals.

• The increased prevalence of homebound older adults observed in 2020, as well as the likely social, psychological, and physical effects, seem to continue in 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic abates.