Rethinking the social role of ageing in the framework of COVID-19

According to the data published so far, the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has severely affected older people, especially those living in residential centres. The vulnerability and poor prognosis of the disease in this population group has led to the implementation of more restrictive preventive measures of confinement, isolation and social distancing than in any other group, accompanied by ageist attitudes that are determinant in essential issues such as treatment or access to services by older people. In addition, intensive and restrictive control measures have been implemented in support services for older people with care needs to prevent the spread of infection. These measures that have directly affected older people and their families are now showing negative effects on physical health, functional capacity, cognitive and emotional status, and social and supportive relationships.

In this context, the elderly have once again shown their civic commitment by launching multiple community support initiatives to solve different social needs that arose during the worst moments of the crisis caused by COVID-19. Esukadi Lagunkoia is a good example of these initiatives.

From this perspective, the UDIMA and Matia Instituto propose a space for reflection and debate on discriminatory attitudes, the effects of protection, prevention and control measures and the citizen response of older people that highlight the social role of ageing within the framework of COVID-19.