American Eldercide: The Preventable Tragedy of Nursing Home COVID Deaths

The book American Eldercide by Margaret Morganroth Gullette critiques the deadly toll of COVID-19 on nursing home residents, who made up a disproportionate share of the deaths despite their vulnerability being well-known. Gullette argues that systemic ageism and other biases, such as racism and sexism, contributed to a "silent eldercide" long before the pandemic. She stresses the preventable nature of many deaths, pointing to understaffing, profit-driven decisions, and lack of adequate infection control.

Gullette calls for reforms like federal long-term care benefits, better staffing, and nationalized nursing homes to prevent future tragedies. The book underscores the need for a cultural shift toward valuing the lives of older adults. Read more in Harvard Public Health here.