Like many countries around the globe, most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean ordered a mandatory quarantine or lockdown. Although these measures are necessary they bring additional risks, especially for socially isolated older people living alone or those who depend on others to some degree.
There were even more significant risks for older people living on the street, and those who live in informal settlements such as migrants and internally displaced people.
Our work across the region focused on raising awareness around particularly vulnerable older people whose specific needs are being ignored.
The reinforcement of stereotypes and manifestations of ageism was identified early on, especially in the language of the government and the media and actions of humanitarian actors and health workers.
Ageism is always a challenge, during this specific crisis it risked resulting in reduced access to healthcare for older people, as well as negative and derogatory stigma, among other damaging impacts.
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