ABSTRACT
It was known early that older people were more susceptible to COVID-19 and more likely to die. Infection control measures varied confusingly leading to social isolation and psychological difficulties for some older people. End-of-life, bereavement and palliative care were already under pressure, and care homes, structurally detached from broader healthcare and public services, were ill-prepared, leading to high death rates. Residents became socially isolated and de-prioritised compared to hospitals. Much could have been avoided by reducing overcrowding and capacity, and social isolation and distress. The low priority given to older people disclosed ageism and cultural prejudice, diminishing human dignity.
