COVID-19 and ageism: How positive and negative responses impact older adults and society

The American Psychologist
Caitlin MonahanSheri R Levy

Abstract

The disproportionately high rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health complications and mortality among older adults prompted supportive public responses, such as special senior early shopping hours and penpal programs. Simultaneously, some older adults faced neglect and blatant displays of ageism (e.g., #BoomerRemover) and were considered the lowest priority to receive health care. This article examines positive and negative responses toward older adults in the United States during the pandemic and the consequences for older adults and society using data from the pandemic in the United States (and informed by data from other countries) as well as past theorizing and empirical research on views and treatment of older adults. Specifically, positive responses can reinforce the value of older adults, improve older adults' mental and physical health, reduce ageism, and improve intergenerational relations, whereas negative responses can have the opposite effects. However, positive responses (social distancing to protect older adults from COVID-19 infection) can inadvertently increase loneliness, depression, health problems, and negative stereotyping of older adults (e.g., helpless, weak). Pressing policy issues evident fro...Continue Reading

Citations

Sep 14, 2020·The Gerontologist·Deanna Vervaecke, Brad A Meisner
Dec 8, 2020·Gerontology & Geriatrics Education·Jamie Macdonald, Sheri R Levy
Dec 19, 2020·The British Journal of Developmental Psychology·Yaniv HanochLori E James
Jan 3, 2021·The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences·Ashley LytleSheri R Levy
Jan 21, 2021·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·John A BatsisSusan M Friedman
Mar 9, 2021·Europe's Journal of Psychology·Roger Andre SøraaJ Artur Serrano
Mar 25, 2021·European Journal of Ageing·Jingjing Zhang, Xiaoting Liu
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Gianluca Lo CocoSaša Pišot
May 3, 2021·Journal of Neuroimmunology·Homa PourriyahiNima Rezaei
May 27, 2021·Psychological Reports·Amanda A Arcieri
Apr 1, 2021·The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences·Reuben NgWenshu Yang
Jun 3, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Lara BellottiGudela Grote
May 27, 2021·Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services·Jeanne M Sorrell
Jul 23, 2021·International nursing review·Tracey McDonald
Jul 30, 2021·Frontiers in Public Health·Caroline D BergeronMatthew Lee Smith
Jul 27, 2021·Universal Access in the Information Society·Sofia SegkouliDimitrios Tzovaras
Aug 19, 2021·Australasian Journal on Ageing·Cassie Curryer, Peta S Cook
Aug 21, 2021·Gerontology & Geriatric Medicine·Nazeefah LaherEmma Warren
Aug 26, 2021·Experimental Aging Research·Jennifer F SublettToni L Bisconti
Sep 11, 2021·Frontiers in Psychology·Ruth PinedoAndrés Palacios Picos

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.

Related Papers

Frontiers in Public Health
Nathalie BarthThomas Célarier
The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
Ashley LytleSheri R Levy
© 2021 Meta ULC. All rights reserved