Covid-19 and ageism: ethical assessment of health resources distribution

Abstract

Ageism is the prejudice or discrimination of older adults, whether through stigmatization or discriminatory practices by society and its institutions. The current covid-19 pandemic context has shown Western society’s ageist stance and, consequently, of its protocols on the distribution of health resources, leading to severe negative repercussions to the care of this population. This theoretical essay discusses the manifestations and consequences of ageism in the context of health resource distribution policies during the pandemic, considering the bioethical implications involved in this type of discrimination when considering the principles of justice and human dignity.