UN DESA Policy Brief.
May 2020.
As the world grapples with an unparalleled health crisis, older persons have become one of its more visible victims. The pandemic spreads among persons of all ages and conditions, yet available evidence indicates that older persons and those with underlying medical conditions are at a higher risk of serious illness and death from the COVID-19 disease.
Societies should address existing deep-seated inequalities and age discrimination and advocate for older persons’ autonomy, independence and a stronger protection of access to social services, including social protection, and their human rights. Governments need to ensure that older persons are consulted and participate in policy decisions that affect their lives and must put in place supportive measures that guarantee their inclusion.
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