[Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and ageism: a narrative review of the literature]. / Enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) y edadismo: revisión narrativa de la literatura.

ABSTRACT

Ageism is defined as stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination towards people due to their age. The present review analyzed the age-related attitudes, and the responses to them, produced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched for publications related to ageism during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pubmed, Medline, and Embase. Fourteen manuscripts were included. The works highlighted the civic and social sense of older adults, their capacity for help community, despite the risk of infection. This attitude contrasted with her vulnerability to illness and ageism. Specific interventions are necessary to support older adults during the pandemic, guaranteeing financial support, protection in the residential environment, access to information, and solving barriers to accessing health services. Likewise, chronological age should not be an independent criterion for clinical decision making.