It is an unfortunate truth that the struggle with the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly older adults, has been a devastating battle. In this news article by Farrah Merali titled “Ontario seniors ‘living in fear’ of COVID-19 feel forgotten in vaccine rollout plan”, the issues surrounding the distribution of vaccinations to for older adults who are right under the initial phase 1 eligibility group (80+) is discussed. In the news article the growing concern for eligibility in vaccinations was portrayed, as according to Public Health Ontario, over ⅓ of COVID-19 related deaths were of older adults who were 60 and older and not in long – term care (LTC). Farrah Merali goes on to provide quotes from seniors in the community who are in fear of their lives, death, and the potential for depression and seclusion among others. As well, in the news article statistics of deaths due to COVID-19 were reported, with 96% being of older adults 60+ and of that amount roughly 2000 deaths were of older adults who were not in LTC. CBC news was able to inquire why older adults were not included in phase 1 of the vaccine rollout plan with the reply being that it was due to the available supply. However, this does not sway the seniors, thereby two individuals who were highlighted in this article, Ketty Samel and her husband were writing to the provincial government about their concerns as they are noted to be a part of the vulnerable population.
This news article can be connected to the course in many ways. Throughout the course thus far, it can be noted that the current Canadian population has a large group of seniors, particularly the individuals during the baby boomer years who are between the ages of 57-75 (Silver lecture 2, tb, pg. 84). In Canada’s changing demographics video, an age pyramid from Canada was examined. According to Dr. Roderic Beaujot, the widest part as of 2009, appeared to be around 45 years of age which was the time of the baby boomers and currently and is projected to further increase as the years go by (Paikin, 2015, tb pg. 96). Currently, 12 years later that population would be roughly 57-75 years old (tb, pg. 84). With that being said, with this growth of an older population, there are several demands that must be met in order to ensure that they may live a better life and age in a more suitable manner (Silver, lecture 1), one of which is ensuring they are vaccinated as soon as possible. This is of great concern because as this age range is a large group in Canada and as they are one of the most vulnerable groups to the virus, it must be that they are protected. It was mentioned by senior Ketty Samel that if they contracted the virus, there is a high possibility of death because as previously mentioned the seniors are an extremely vulnerable group however are not able to receive the vaccination until March or April. As well, in lecture 2 of Silver’s lecture, it is mentioned that one of the three demographic forces that influences population growth is mortality. This discussion holds significance to the concerns associated with the elderly population and COVID-19 because as the article mentions, the number of deaths of individuals 60 plus due to the virus is about 5064 deaths. This can result in there being an increase in the mortality rates if these drastic concerns are not accounted for. As this is a very concerning issue, the field of gerontology which is multidisciplinary comes into play here in, incorporating multiple disciplines such as public policy, sociology and many others to ensure that the needs of older adults are accounted for, for example through improved policies to support the older population (tb. Pg. 6).
As well, discussed in lecture 3, “successful aging” was discussed. Although this model by Rowe and Kahn has been highly criticized because it is not a realistic way of viewing aging, however we can combine another model also by Rowe and Kahn called “decrement with compensation” together (tb. pg71). The three categories for successful aging are “minimize the risk of disability and disease, continue engagement with life, and maintaining physical and cognitive function”. If we consider these three categories, then successful aging for the Ontario seniors are not being met. This is evident in the news article with discussions of being afraid, depression, loneliness, death etc. and the toll the vaccine rollout is having on their living states. Further, with the decrement with compensation model it is the idea of “resilience and adaptation to deficits”. An example given in the textbook was about finding meaning and controlling your attitudes towards the process of aging (tb. Pg 120). Tying this back to the article if people are to control their views on aging, adapt to deficits, “maintain physical and cognitive function” etc. then there should be support and protection given by the government to ensure this is possible. Having one of the most vulnerable groups live in constant fear and feeling expendable is under no circumstance benefiting them during their aging process or helping them in their attitudes and views on aging.
All in all, there are many ongoing issues that persist in aiding the growing population, especially during this pandemic. However, with the incorporation of research and better implementation of policies that support the concerns and needs of older adults is undoubtedly needed now more than ever.
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