COVID-19 and older persons : reflections on human rights, ageism, isolation, dementia care and gender

Abstract

COVID-19 resulted in a series of tribulations for older persons that ranged from adverse health and wellbeing effects to economic setbacks. The challenge was to not only protect older persons and ensure that essential services meet their needs but also to account for the diversity of this population group, recognise their capacities and harness their experiences to maximise the preparedness for and minimise the impact of emergencies. COVID-19 did not only take a destructive toll on the lives of many older people but also exposed the hegemony of ageist stereotypes and prejudice. There have been many reports of older persons being victims of discriminatory practices in access to health services and other critical resources in several countries, especially in residential long-term care facilities. The pandemic also showcased disparate impacts on societies’ most vulnerable populations in terms of loneliness and isolation, especially persons living with Alzheimer disease and other dementias. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic is not devoid of gendered trends. One augurs that governments engage in four key priorities for action: (i) ensure that difficult health-care decisions affecting older people are guided by a commitment to dignity, (ii) strengthen social inclusion and solidarity during physical distancing, (iii) integrate a focus on older persons into the socio-economic and humanitarian response to COVID-19, and (iv), expand participation by older persons, share good practices, knowledge and data.