Ageism
Ageism encompasses stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination against people on the basis of their age. Ageism is widespread and an insidious practice that has harmful effects on the health of older adults. A recent systematic review showed that the significant adverse relationship between ageism and health is even more consistent than the relationships found in systematic reviews of the effects of racism on health.[5] Moreover, European doctors worry about the care they will receive when they are old, with 80% of healthcare professionals anxious about how they would be treated, suggesting they realise that ageism is very common.[6] Paradoxically, increasing numbers of elderly people are remaining healthy and some of them have important international responsibilities. For instance, Pope Francis is now 83 years old and Queen Elizabeth II is 94 (Figure 1).
Figure 1:  Queen Elizabeth II and Pope Francis  Queen Elizabeth II, aged 94, and Pope Frances, aged 83. Would they receive optimal management if they had severe COVID-19? Sources: Cubankite/Shutterstock.com and AM113/Shutterstock.com.
Table 1:  Therapeutic Planning Checklist for Elderly Patients Admitted to Hospital due to COVID-19

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