Abstract
The distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has reached pandemic proportions. While COVID-19 can affect anyone, it is particularly hazardous for those with “co-morbidities.” Older age is an especially strong and independent risk factor for hospital and ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death. Health systems must protect persons at any age while paying particular attention to those with risk factors. However, essential freedoms must be respected and social/psychological needs met for those shielded. The example of the older population in Israel may provide interesting public health lessons. Relatively speaking, Israel is a demographically young country, with only 11.5% of its population 65 years and older as compared with the OECD average of >17%. As well, a lower proportion of older persons is in long-term institutions in Israel than in most other OECD countries. The initiation of a national program to protect older residents of nursing homes and more latterly, a successful vaccine program has resulted in relatively low rates of serious COVID-19 related disease and mortality in Israel. However, the global situation remains unstable and the older population remains at risk. The rollout of efficacious vaccines is in progress but it will probably take years to cover the world's population, especially those living in low- and middle-income countries. Every effort must be made not to leave these poorer countries behind. Marrying the principles of public health (care of the population) with those of geriatric medicine (care of the older individual) offers the best way forward.
Highlights
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to affect every corner of the earth, sparing no age group
As this third wave arises in many countries, constant vigilance is essential in order to allow for the proper design of rational and humane public health policies
The COVID-19 pandemic is the most serious public health crisis to challenge the globe in a century
Summary
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to affect every corner of the earth, sparing no age group. The COVID-19 crisis may facilitate a recrudescence of the doleful phenomenon of ageism, for example through “locking up” older persons in order to “preserve” hospital beds for younger people and/or to “save the economy.” In this vein, the recent use in the UK of the “Stay at Home, Save the NHS” message was confusing and possibly harmful to some, that was clearly not the intention of those who offered it. Since vaccinations seem to be protective against the delta variant, this probably reflects the lower rate of vaccinations in younger people compared to the older population As this third wave arises in many countries, constant vigilance is essential in order to allow for the proper design of rational and humane public health policies. The international vaccine alliance GAVI makes the point eloquently in a recent position statement [32] and the COVAX initiative which it is co-sponsoring is making strenuous efforts to encourage a more equitable distribution of vaccines around the world [33]
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