The International Journal of Aging and Human Development· 2026Q2
Understandings of Ageism and Healthcare in the COVID-19 Pandemic
- 0citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
During COVID-19, healthcare guidelines systematically deprioritized older adults, and this study reveals younger and older adults perceived age as determining health, life value, and acceptance of death in ventilator allocation scenarios.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Healthcare guidelines during COVID-19 systematically deprioritized older adults due to resource shortages.
- Participants perceived age as a factor in determining health, life value, and acceptance of death in healthcare allocation.
- A story completion method with 22 older and 41 younger adults explored these perceptions.
- Findings support the need for policies to protect against ageism in healthcare systems.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
Ageism is widespread and intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, with resource shortages contributing to healthcare guidelines that systematically deprioritised older adults. Whilst the ethical considerations of these guidelines are well documented, perceptions of age and ageism in healthcare allocation remain underexplored. This study examined younger and older adults' perceptions of age and ageism in healthcare during COVID-19 through a social identity approach. Using a story completion method, 22 older and 41 younger adult participants completed a story about a younger or older COVID-19 patient and doctors allocating the last available ventilator. Using thematic analysis, three themes were developed: (1) age determines health, (2) age determines the value of life, and (3) age determines acceptance of death. Results support the need for policies protecting against the influence of ageism in healthcare systems and emphasise the need to understand how internalised ageism may influence perceptions and health behaviours of older patients.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 2026 · DOI ↗
Continue with a free account
Ask the paper: 3 free questions a day about this paper; save it, get its citation, new summaries every day for your field. Takeaways are Premium.
Continue free on the webSign in with Google or Apple; no card needed. You come back to this paper.
On your phone:
Field: Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
Neuropsychology and Physiological PsychologyPsychology