THE TAKEAWAY:
“We are allowing adults to make decisions about their risk, and yet not giving elders the same right to make a decision. If you are unable to make a decision for yourself that is different but most older adults are perfectly able to judge their risks and benefits. People say in a public health crisis, we make decisions for the good of everybody. Fine, but then make the burden equal across populations. Right now, we are overburdening older people at their own expense. We are stripping people of agency. This is basically a human and civil rights violation. We need to give people the information. Based on my patients and friends, people will make different choices.”
Louise Aronson on elderhood in pandemic times
Writings:
Books:
Blog:
Articles:
- ‘Ageism is making the coronavirus worse’, the Atlantic
- Coronavirus reveals just how little compassion we have for older people, Vox
Other Media:
Recordings:
- “Just” Old People Are Dying: Ageism and the Coronavirus Response, KQED FORUM
- At Risk: Life Inside U.S. Nursing Homes During The Coronavirus Crisis
To learn more about Louise, you can visit louisearonson.com.