COVID-19, Inequality and Older People
Everyday Life during the Pandemic
By Camilla Lewis, Chris Phillipson, Sophie Yarker and Luciana Lang
Published
Jun 12, 2023Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447367444Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Jun 12, 2023Page count
160 pagesISBN
978-1447367468Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
COVID-19, Inequality and Older People
EPDF and EPUB available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.
This book provides new insights into the challenges facing older people in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It draws upon novel qualitative longitudinal research which recorded the experiences of a diverse group of people aged 50+ in Greater Manchester over a 12-month period during the pandemic. The book analyses their lived experiences and those of organisations working to support them, shedding light on the isolating effects of social distancing.
Focusing on interviews with 21 organisations, as well as 102 people from four ethnic/identity groups, the authors argue that the pandemic exacerbated existing inequalities in the UK, disproportionately affecting low-income neighbourhoods and minority ethnic communities.
The book outlines recommendations in relation to developing a ‘community-centred approach’ in responding to future variants of COVID-19, as well as making suggestions for how to create post-pandemic neighbourhoods.
“This timely exploration of the longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diverse older people, their networks and support services provides an invaluable resource for those looking to understand persistent social inequalities and their deadly consequences.” Rose Gilroy, Newcastle University
Camilla Lewis is Lecturer in Architectural Studies at the University of Manchester.
Chris Phillipson is Professor of Sociology and Social Gerontology at the University of Manchester.
Sophie Yarker is Research Fellow in the School of Social Science at the University of Manchester.
Luciana Lang is Research Associate in the School of Social Science at the University of Manchester.
Foreword by Andy Burnham
1. Introduction
2. A sociological analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on older people
3. Methodology of the study
4. Everyday life under lockdown: relationships and routines
5. Experiences of the pandemic: a biographical and longitudinal analysis of four case studies
6. Changes in relationships
7. The role of community organisations and social infrastructure
8. Understanding everyday life during the pandemic
9. COVID-19, inequality and older people: developing community-centred interventions
10. Conclusion
