Locked down by inequality: Older people and the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This paper develops the argument that post-COVID-19 recovery strategies need to focus on building back fairer cities and communities, and that this requires a strong embedding of ‘ age-friendly’ principles to support marginalised groups of older people, especially those living in deprived urban neighbourhoods, trapped in poor quality housing. It shows that older people living in such areas are likely to experience a ‘double lockdown’ as a result of restrictions imposed by social distancing combined with the intensification of social and spatial inequalities. This argument is presented as follows: first, the paper examines the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on older people, highlighting how the pandemic is both creating new and reinforcing existing inequalities in ageing along the lines of gender, class, ethnicity, race, ability and sexuality. Second, the paper explores the role of spatial inequalities in the context of COVID-19, highlighting how the pandemic is having a disproportionate impact on deprived urban areas already affected by cuts to public services, the loss of social infrastructure and pressures on the voluntary sector. Finally, the paper examines how interrelated social inequalities at both the individual and spatial level are affecting the lives of older people living in deprived urban neighbourhoods during the pandemic. The paper concludes by developing six principles for ‘age-friendly’ community recovery planning aimed at maintaining and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of older residents in the post-pandemic city.

Using an Intersectional Lens on Vulnerability and Resilience in Minority and/or Marginalized Groups During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

“…These intersections may exacerbate adversities for older people and increase vulnerability in terms of loss of connection, support, and increase in isolation and loneliness. This may be particularly pronounced in deprived neighborhoods, as discussed in the United Kingdom ( Buffel et al, 2021 ). Individuals with chronic mental illness also have to be considered with regard to their intersecting identities.…”

“…At the beginning of the pandemic, older people were focused upon in terms of protecting them from the virus. In a United Kingdom article, intersecting identities in older people in terms of non-White ethnic/racial groups, disabilities, chronic illnesses, non-heterosexual orientation, or living arrangements, such as residential care, were stressed, as they were hardly considered in policies and mitigation measures ( Buffel et al, 2021 ). These intersections may exacerbate adversities for older people and increase vulnerability in terms of loss of connection, support, and increase in isolation and loneliness.…”

Helping Behavior of Older Adults during the Early COVID-19 Lockdown in Belgium

“…Likewise, the pandemic has accentuated the exclusion of older adults and prejudice against them. For example, older adults received stricter guidelines on physical distance, as they were among the first to be encouraged to stay at home ( Buffel et al, 2021 ; Fraser et al, 2020 ; Morrow-Howell et al, 2020 ). Government policies based on chronological age have reinforced negative age stereotypes by portraying them as vulnerable and dependent, thereby perpetuating ageism ( Ayalon et al, 2021 ; Fraser et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Accordingly, the pandemic has highlighted a troubling public discourse about older adults, on the one hand by questioning the value of their lives and on the other by ignoring their valuable contributions and participation in the community ( Morrow-Howell & Gonzales, 2020 ; Previtali et al., 2020 ). By emphasizing the dependence of older adults, it has been implied that they were expected to need more help than other age groups during the pandemic ( Buffel et al, 2021 ; Fraser et al, 2020 ). Despite the associated restrictions imposed on the older population in our society and clear indications of ageism, several sociological reflections have been formulated around the theme of solidarity as a human response to the public health crisis ( Basaure et al, 2021 ).…”

COVID‐19 challenges and firm responses: Analysis of a city‐wide census in a developing country

“…Preece et al ( 2021 ) identify that pressures have increased in smaller homes and altered urban rhythms. Buffel et al ( 2021 ) identify that the pandemic is exacerbating existing inequalities, particularly those related to age and other marginalizing factors. These problems can be worsened by changes in employment status.…”