Access for the Aged in times of pandemic

Year: 02-06/2022

Client: European Journalism Center, Netherlands; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, U.S.A.

Research Description:

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that health security – especially for the most vulnerable segments of the population including elderly people – was hardly existing in many countries around the globe. Older people in India – belonging to the most vulnerable groups – had already faced tremendous social and health challenges prior to the pandemic, especially women. The COVID-19 crisis has further widened their disparities in health, be it through unequal access to health services in combination with forced lockdowns and the lack of proper and tailored information and month-long lack of social participation.

Main research features:

Identification of health security gaps in vulnerable populations, focusing on elderly people retiring in public old ages homes.

Activities performed:

• Conducted interviews with NGO and government representatives in the field of elderly care
• Visited country-wide old age homes
• Published articles in relevant trade and consumer press outlets