How Aging Stereotypes, Aging Anxiety, and Social Support impact the Mental and Physical Health of Middle Age and Older Colombians during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Worldwide, the COVID 19 Pandemic concern with mental and physical health older adults is rapidly increasing. In addition to this, emerging evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may be increasing ageism worldwide, deteriorating the developmental environment of older population. In Colombia, an increase in negative stereotyping toward older adults (e.g. sick, lonely, sad, dying, dependent, vulnerable) as well as neglect of older adults may have occurred as a result of measures taken to control the Pandemic, however, evidence is only anecdotal so far. This study addresses the urgent need to study the unique challenges in the aging population in Colombia by examining the interrelations among ageist stereotyping, aging anxiety and social support on the mental and physical health of middle age to older Colombians in the capital city of Bogotá.

Ageism, Pandemic, COVID-19