Ageism and COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Government Response in Colombia

Ana María Medina Ch; Jennifer González Sanabria; Mónica Pinilla-Roncancio; Claudia M Cortés-García

doi:10.1080/08959420.2025.2553455

Ageism and COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Government Response in Colombia

Título traducido de la contribución: Edadismo y pandemia de COVID-19: Análisis de la respuesta gubernamental en Colombia

Ana María Medina Ch
, Jennifer González Sanabria
, Mónica Pinilla-Roncancio
, Claudia M Cortés-García

Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Universidad de los Andes Colombia
Universidad del Rosario

Producción: Contribución a una revista › Artículo › revisión exhaustiva

Resumen

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha expuesto y amplificado las desigualdades sociales preexistentes, incluyendo el edadismo, que sigue siendo un problema poco explorado en América Latina. Este estudio examina la respuesta del gobierno colombiano a la COVID-19 centrándose en el edadismo institucional. Utilizando un enfoque cualitativo, la investigación revisó documentos gubernamentales y entrevistas con agentes institucionales, líderes sociales y participantes de instituciones relacionadas con las personas mayores. Estos hallazgos indican que las políticas nacionales priorizan la edad cronológica como un factor primario de vulnerabilidad, perpetuando el edadismo. Los confinamientos prolongados y las medidas de ayuda económica retrataron a las personas mayores como grupos homogéneos y dependientes, pasando por alto su diversidad y capacidad. En contraste, la respuesta de Bogotá reconoció vulnerabilidades interrelacionadas, como los roles de cuidado y el nivel socioeconómico, integrando las aportaciones de la sociedad civil. El estudio destaca la "Rebelión de las Canas", un movimiento de personas mayores que desafía las políticas discriminatorias y aboga por su autonomía y sus derechos. Concluye destacando la falta de investigación sobre el edadismo institucional en América Latina, particularmente en Colombia, y hace un llamado a futuros estudios y respuestas de emergencia que respeten la diversidad y autonomía de los adultos mayores, yendo más allá de enfoques exclusivos basados en la edad.

Título traducido de la contribución	Edadismo y pandemia de COVID-19: Análisis de la respuesta gubernamental en Colombia
Idioma original	Inglés
Páginas (desde-hasta)	1-21
Número de páginas	21
Publicación	Journal of Aging and Social Policy
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2025.2553455
Estado	Publicada - 14 sept 2025

ODS de las Naciones Unidas

Este resultado contribuye a los siguientes Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible

ODS 3: Salud y bienestar
ODS 10: Reducción de las desigualdades

Palabras clave

Edadismo
Colombia
Covid-19
respuesta a emergencias
políticas públicas

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10.1080/08959420.2025.2553455

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title = "Ageism and COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Government Response in Colombia",

abstract = "The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and amplified preexisting societal inequalities, including ageism, which remains an underexplored issue in Latin America. This study examines the Colombian government's response to COVID-19 by focusing on institutional ageism. Using a qualitative approach, the research reviewed government documents and interviews with institutional agents, social leaders, and participants from institutions related to older adults. These findings indicate that national policies prioritize chronological age as a primary vulnerability factor, perpetuating ageism. Extended lockdowns and economic aid measures portrayed older adults as homogenous and dependent groups, overlooking their diversity and capacity. In contrast, Bogot{\'a}'s response recognized intersecting vulnerabilities, such as caregiving roles and socioeconomic status, integrating civil society input. The study highlights the {"}Rebellion of the Grey Hair,{"} a movement by older adults challenging discriminatory policies and advocating for their autonomy and rights. It concludes by stressing the lack of research on institutional ageism in Latin America, particularly Colombia, and calls for future studies and emergency responses that respect the diversity and autonomy of older adults, moving beyond exclusive age-based approaches.",

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Ageism and COVID-19 Pandemic: Analysis of the Government Response in Colombia

Resumen

ODS de las Naciones Unidas

Palabras clave

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