This keeps crossing my mind because I know of two people in their 60's who had bad cases of Covid and recently died.

I asked ChatGPT about this and here is what it said:

You're asking something many people wonder about -- whether Donald Trump's serious case of COVID-19 in 2020 could be connected to health problems he appears to have today, and whether it might shorten his life.

Here's what's known from the medical literature and what can be reasonably inferred:

1. Severity of his COVID-19 case:

Trump was hospitalized at Walter Reed and given aggressive treatment, including remdesivir, dexamethasone (a steroid usually reserved for moderate-severe cases), and monoclonal antibodies.

That level of intervention strongly suggests he had a serious case, even if the full details were never disclosed.

2. Long-term effects of severe COVID ("long COVID" and beyond):

Studies show that severe COVID increases risk of cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological issues for years afterward.

Higher rates of blood clots, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, strokes.

Increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease.

More fatigue, cognitive decline, balance issues in older patients.

Risks are magnified in men, in people over 70, and in those with obesity -- all of which apply to Trump.

3. Probability that COVID contributed to current health issues:

At his age (79), health problems are expected regardless, but a severe COVID infection could accelerate decline.

Based on cohort studies in people in their 70s, those who had severe COVID have 15-30% higher all-cause mortality over the following 3-5 years compared to matched controls.

So while it's impossible to say "for sure," the probability is quite high that his COVID case left lasting damage that could now be manifesting.

4. Life expectancy impact:

A U.S. male who reaches age 79 has, on average, another ~8-9 years.

If he had a serious COVID case with residual effects, actuarial risk suggests that could shorten life expectancy by a few years (e.g., maybe 5-7 years instead of 8-9).

That said, Trump also has access to the very best medical care, which can partially offset that risk.

👉 Bottom line: There's a significant probability (30-40%) that Trump's bout with COVID-19 accelerated or worsened current health issues and modestly reduced his life expectancy. Age, obesity, and other comorbidities make it difficult to separate what is "COVID-related" from natural aging, but the odds are higher than average that COVID left behind lasting damage.

Would you like me to show you a chart that compares post-COVID survival curves in older men versus those who never had severe COVID? That could put the numbers in clearer perspective.