The Social Pandemic of Ageism: Exploring Ageism Toward Older Americans During COVID-19 Using Stereotype Embodiment Theory (SET)

During the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic, a social pandemic, followed.Ageism, which is as viral and fatal as the former, rapidly spread and extensively affected older adults' lives.The purpose of this study was to closely examine the impact of ageism during the pandemic on internalized ageism among older Americans.Four examples of ageism were manifested in the United States during COVID-19 toward older adults: 1) the mass media framing older individuals as a vulnerable population, 2) tolerance and acceptance of harmful ageist commentary on social media, 3) the appearance of ageism in diverse settings and within policies, and 4) ageist remarks from leaders in American society.These four characteristics were interpreted using stereotype embodiment theory as the guiding theoretical framework.In the short term, age discrimination against older people resulted in decreased social connection.In the long term, the overall quality of aging, including self-perceptions of aging, self-efficacy, resilience, and intergenerational relationships, may be negatively influenced due to internalized ageism.In conclusion, three recommendations on combating ageism are provided.Specifically, raising awareness, altering the use of chronological age, and utilizing intergenerational programs are proposed.