It Is Not Just Mortality: A Call From Chile for Comprehensive COVID-19 Policy Responses Among Older People. (7th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Villalobos Dintrans, Pablo; Browne, Jorge; Madero-Cabib, Ignacio
• Editors: Carr, Deborah S
• Is Part Of: Journals of gerontology. Volume 76:Number 7(2021)
• Page Start: e275
• Page End: e280
• Publication Date: 2020-07-07
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Health care policy -- Health-related quality of life -- Policy analysis; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Aged -- Periodicals; Aging -- Periodicals; Psychology, Social -- Periodicals; 305.26
• DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa092
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1079-5014

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Provide a synthesis of the COVID-19 policies targeting older people in Chile, stressing their short- and long-term challenges. Method: Critical analysis of the current legal and policy measures, based on national-level data and international experiences. Results: Although several policies have been enacted to protect older people from COVID-19, these measures could have important unintended negative consequences in this group's mental and physical health, as well as financial aspects. Discussion: A wider perspective is needed to include a broader definition of health—considering financial scarcity, access to health services, mental health issues, and long-term care—in the policy responses to COVID-19 targeted to older people in Chile.