Ageism and COVID-19: what does our society's response say about us?. (6th May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fraser, Sarah; Lagacé, Martine; Bongué, Bienvenu; Ndeye, Ndatté; Guyot, Jessica; Bechard, Lauren; Garcia, Linda; Taler, Vanessa; Adam, Stéphane; Beaulieu, Marie; Bergeron, Caroline D; Boudjemadi, Valérian; Desmette, Donatienne; Donizzetti, Anna Rosa; Éthier, Sophie; Garon, Suzanne; Gillis, Margaret; Levasseur, Mélanie; Lortie-lussier, Monique; Marier, Patrik; Robitaille, Annie; Sawchuk, Kim; Lafontaine, Constance; Tougas, Francine
• Is Part Of: Age and ageing. Volume 49:Number 5(2020)
• Page Start: 692
• Page End: 695
• Publication Date: 2020-05-06
• Subjects: ageism -- COVID-19 -- public discourse -- long-term care homes -- older people; Aging -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-0729

Abstract

Abstract: The goal of this commentary is to highlight the ageism that has emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 20 international researchers in the field of ageing have contributed to this document. This commentary discusses how older people are misrepresented and undervalued in the current public discourse surrounding the pandemic. It points to issues in documenting the deaths of older adults, the lack of preparation for such a crisis in long-term care homes, how some 'protective' policies can be considered patronising and how the initial perception of the public was that the virus was really an older adult problem. This commentary also calls attention to important intergenerational solidarity that has occurred during this crisis to ensure support and social-inclusion of older adults, even at a distance. Our hope is that with this commentary we can contribute to the discourse on older adults during this pandemic and diminish the ageist attitudes that have circulated.