Older peoples’ sacrifice during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to reflect on the roles that are socially attributed to older people in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A discourse analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for older people and news articles to explore their concepts about this population during COVID-19.

Findings

The author’s interpretation suggests that the WHO provides a restrictive model of action for older people in the pandemic. The history of these people is not valued, and their actions are limited to the maintenance of biological life. This restriction can lead to sacrificial behavior models depicted in the news, demanding a reconceptualization of the notion of older people.

Originality/value

The public model of older people is dangerous for this population during COVID19. The care for older people in this pandemic demands that we co-construct an active role with them for this crisis.

Citation

Fernandes, A. (2020), "Older peoples’ sacrifice during COVID-19 pandemic", Working with Older People, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 265-268. https://doi.org/10.1108/WWOP-07-2020-0035