The elderly and the pandemic of COVID-19

an analysis of articles published in newspapers

Abstract

The mass media play an important role in conveying information about the new coronavirus to society. The way in which such information is conveyed constitutes the object of this study, which proposes to analyze the literal representation of what was conveyed by the elderly in mass communication media, in this case in newspapers in the Federal District, available online and accessible during April, using the IRAMUTEQ® software. The results obtained through 90 news articles pointed out the prevalence of biological aspects of the pandemic from a negative perspective regarding the elderly population, reaffirming historical prejudice associated with old age, but on the other hand, it constitutes an important ally in the dissemination of information of public utility and aid in the pandemic situation, as was the case with the disclosure of reports on social actions to support the elderly. We conclude that there is a need to restructure the way in which communication is directed to the public, in order to become more humane, given that the elderly are part of society and are directly affected by the negative representation that they have.