It Is Not Just Mortality: A Call From Chile for Comprehensive COVID-19 Policy Responses Among Older People

J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci. 2021 Aug 13;76(7):e275-e280. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa092.

Abstract

Objective: Provide a synthesis of the COVID-19 policies targeting older people in Chile, stressing their short- and long-term challenges.

Method: Critical analysis of the current legal and policy measures, based on national-level data and international experiences.

Results: Although several policies have been enacted to protect older people from COVID-19, these measures could have important unintended negative consequences in this group's mental and physical health, as well as financial aspects.

Discussion: A wider perspective is needed to include a broader definition of health-considering financial scarcity, access to health services, mental health issues, and long-term care-in the policy responses to COVID-19 targeted to older people in Chile.

Keywords: COVID-19; Health care policy; Health-related quality of life; Policy analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / mortality
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control
  • COVID-19 / therapy
  • Chile / epidemiology
  • Communicable Disease Control
  • Health Policy*
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans