An Ethics of Justice in Elderly Care: Ageism and the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background The study looks into the condition of elderly Covid-19 patients regarding the kind of attention they received during the pandemic given the scarcity of medical resouces in the countries mentioned in this investigation. In this case, we apply the bioethical principle of justice on the age-based criteria in determining which patient must receive treatment The argument is that the same is a form of discimination against the elderly. Purpose The purpose of this study is to emphasize that the age-based criteria in deciding whether to treat elderly Covid-19 patients or not is violative of the bioethical principle of justice since it discriminates against them. Method This study uses the interpretive method. The authors analyzed the literature and the arguments pertaining to the issue of ageism at the height of the Covid-19 Pandemic. We mentioned the countries where the issue of prioritization was a big concern. The qualitative analysis in this paper is meant to respond to such medical dilemma. Analysis In our analysis, we determined that when age is used as a criterion, it violates the bioethical principle of justice. The principle is meant to ensure that physicians are fair in dealing with patients. Using age in deciding whether a life is worth saving or not is a prejudice against old people who require care and attention. Discussion Medical doctors must treat patients equally and without bias. The challenge, however, is that due to the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, a triage is put in place to be able to manage the overwhelming influx of Covid-19 patients. Some age-based medical treatment criteria that recommend age-based cutoffs for specific treatments are morally untenable. This is because the same is bereft of any acceptable justification that warrants the judgment that the elderly must have less priority when medical resources are scarce. Conclusion In conclusion, doctors must not discriminate patients on the basis of age. All lives are equal in moral worth. We argue that governments must promulgate non-discriminatory policies when it comes to medical treatment during a global public health emergency.