Covid-19 and inequality: developing an age-friendly strategy for recovery in low income communities

Buffel, Tine; Doran, Patty; Goff, Mhorag; Lang, Luciana; Lewis, Camilla; Phillipson, Chris; Yarker, Sophie

Abstract

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on issues facing older people living in urban areas characterised by multiple deprivation.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper first reviews the role of place and neighbourhood in later life; second, it examines the relationship between neighbourhood deprivation and the impact of COVID-19; and, third, it outlines the basis for an “age-friendly” recovery strategy.

Findings
The paper argues that COVID-19 is having a disproportionate impact on low-income communities, which have already been affected by cuts to public services, the loss of social infrastructure and pressures on the voluntary sector. It highlights the need for community-based interventions to be developed as an essential part of future policies designed to tackle the effects of COVID-19.

Originality/value
The paper contributes to debates about developing COVID-19 recovery strategies in the context of growing inequalities affecting urban neighbourhoods.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 2, 2020
• Deposit Date: Apr 18, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: May 9, 2025
• Journal: Quality in Ageing and Older Adults
• Print ISSN: 1471-7794
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-8766
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 21
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 271-279
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/qaoa-09-2020-0044