The COVID-19 Pandemic and Older Adults: Experiences, Impacts, and Innovations

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on older adults, who are more vulnerable to morbidity and mortality from the virus. This book reports original empirical research and perspectives on the ramifications of the pandemic for the older adult population, highlighting key issues such as personal experiences, long-term care system impacts, end-of-life care, and technology and innovation. The chapters were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Aging & Social Policy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread disruption across the globe, impacting lives through virus-related mortality and morbidity, as well as the social and economic consequences of measures taken to prevent its spread. It became evident early on that older adults are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of COVID-19, with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. While younger populations are not more susceptible to infection, the risk of hospitalization and death increases significantly with age. Residents of long-term care facilities have been among the most severely affected by the pandemic.

The pandemic has brought to light various forms of ageism, with community stay-at-home messages, lockdowns, social distancing requirements, and visitation restrictions contributing to an epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. The economic and social impacts of the pandemic have been significant, with disproportionate hardship experienced by members of racial and ethnic minority communities.

This book presents original empirical research and insights into the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for older adults and their families, caregivers, and communities. It highlights key issues related to the impact of COVID-19 on older adults, including personal experiences with the virus, long-term care system impacts, end-of-life care, and technology and innovation. The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Aging & Social Policy.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032226361