The Institutionalisation and Acceptance of Ageism Amidst COVID

Abstract

Due to fears of economic collapse and health care systems being overwhelmed, discourse on COVID-19 control often draws a dichotomy between protecting vulnerable people and maintaining social and economic systems. This paper examines the increased institutionalisation and acceptance of ageist rhetoric resulting from COVID-19 control discourse and the impact of this phenomena. The paper will provide analysis of debates on medical triaging and herd immunity, overt ageism on social media, the connection between social isolation and ageism, and the long-term effects of loneliness. This paper provides recourse  for these issues through an emancipatory social work framework.