Abstract
Objectives
To examine the factors associated with older adults' perceptions of ageism in society during the COVID-19 outbreak, in particular the portrayal of older people as a burden and as vulnerable
Methods
Data are based on a nationally-representative survey of adults aged 50+ in Israel, conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak (N=888). Regression models predicted perceptions of societal ageism. The independent variables were dying anxiety, experiences of age-based discriminations and social resources
Results
Participants who believed older adults were perceived as a burden during the COVID-19 outbreak had higher dying anxiety and reported more age-based discrimination. Living with children and contact with family were protective against perceptions of adults as a burden. Participants who believed older adults were perceived as vulnerable had higher dying anxiety and were less likely to live with children
Discussion
The daily lives of older adults can impact their perceptions of societal ageism during the COVID-19 outbreak
Keywords: Ageism, death and dying, social networks, coronavirus