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The Hidden Danger of COVID-19
COVID-19 has a hidden danger which may prove detrimental to our elderly population.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, we were simultaneously experiencing a parallel outbreak: ageism. Ageism is the discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping of people due to their age. This is not a new issue. In our Western societies, it has existed for decades. But the pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated this issue, and it may prove to be more dangerous for some people than the virus itself. There are 3 main issues with ageism.
1. Ageism ignores the heterogeneity of this population
Older adults are said to be the most heterogeneous of all age groups, yet health guidelines and restrictions are advising anyone over the age of 70 to stay at home. The age of 70 is arbitrary. Some people are old at 40, some are young at 80. People, and especially older adults, have had myriad experiences to shape them into who they are now.
Yet this entire population is being treated as one homogenous unit, completely disregarding the variance that exists within it. The ageism discourse views older adults as having all the same risks and vulnerabilities across the entire population.
