ABSTRACT
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in China at the end of 2019. As it continues to spread around the world, COVID-19 disproportionately impacts aging populations. Gerontological social workers should pay extra attention to disadvantaged older adults, guided by the social determinants of health (SDH) conceptual framework. This chapter provides background information on the SDH framework, identifies issues of heightened inequality, and offers recommendations on how our profession can support older adults experiencing additional disadvantages during the pandemic. To protect older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, local to national level efforts are needed that recognize their vulnerability. Gerontological social workers and health care professionals need to promote COVID-19 prevention strategies, offer health education, and advocate for government support. These efforts can help in reaching out to marginalized older adults and supporting those who may be suffering from issues such as COVID-19 symptoms, health complications, social isolation, and other disparities.
