Societal Views of Older Adults as Vulnerable and a Burden to Society during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Results from an Israeli Nationally Representative Sample

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the factors associated with older adults' perceptions of ageism in society during the COVID-19 outbreak, in particular the portrayal of older people as a burden and as vulnerable. Method: Data are based on a nationally representative survey of adults aged 50+ in Israel, conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak (N = 888). Regression models predicted perceptions of societal ageism. The independent variables were dying anxiety, experiences of age-based discriminations, and social resources. Results: Participants who believed older adults were perceived as a burden during the COVID-19 outbreak had higher dying anxiety and reported more age-based discrimination. Living with children and contact with family were protective against perceptions of adults as a burden. Participants who believed older adults were perceived as vulnerable had higher dying anxiety and were less likely to live with children. Discussion: The daily lives of older adults can impact their perceptions of societal ageism during the COVID-19 outbreak.