Older Adults in the 2020 Coronavirus Pandemic: Reflections on Vulnerability, Grief, and the Vertical Limit

Abstract

Despite improving life expectancies in recent years, complications and mortality in older adult COVID-19 infections are higher than any other age group. The impact is significant in older adults and family members and friends who are unable to be with them during illness and death. Additionally, the safety guidelines for masks, distancing, and isolation during outbreaks/exposure contribute to mental and physical health difficulties and have altered and interrupted grief rituals across the world. This commentary addresses these increased vulnerabilities for older adults who are already dealing with the challenges of aging bodies and isolation from families, i.e. who are living in the vertical limits of this life.