A critical discourse analysis of the Quebec media’s portrayal of older adults in residences and long-term care homes pre- and peri-COVID-19

Olivia Archambault · Martine Lagacé · Sarah Fraser

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Aging and Gerontology Research Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes Communication and COVID-19 Impact

Abstract

Background: How we discuss older adults can influence our perceptions of aging and age-related policies, particularly during times of crisis. Ageist discourse in the media impacts how society views older adults and how older adults view themselves . Negative stereotypes have been associated with negative health outcomes and can exacerbate the adverse events faced by older adults during a pandemic. This study examined the Quebec media’s portrayal of older adults living in long-term care (LTC) homes before and during the first wave of COVID-19. Methods: The first confirmed COVID-19 case in Quebec was on 27 February 2020. The Factiva database was searched for newspaper articles that were published three months before (pre) and three months after (peri) the first confirmed case. Articles had to include the terms: older adults, LTC, and/or residence. Articles were excluded if they did not discuss direct or indirect impacts in the lives of people living in LTC ( i.e. , only discussed statistics of COVID-19 cases). After screening, 208 articles were retained, and critical discourse analysis was conducted. Results: The media discourse regarding older adults in LTC homes revealed a lack of resources ( i.e. , insufficient staff) and negative health outcomes for older adults ( i.e. , bed sores) in both the pre- and peri-COVID-19 articles. Negative and positive elements emerged from the peri-COVID-19 discourse, including increased social isolation of those in LTC, government action and advocacy (by health care practitioners and family) to support those in LTC homes. Conclusions: Existing systemic problems were exacerbated by the pandemic and this impacted older adults in LTC homes negatively. Despite this, the peri-COVID-19 discourse suggests meaningful change at the societal and policy levels to improve outcomes for future generations of older adults who reside in LTC homes.

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References

2002A model of (often mixed) stereotype content: Competence and warmth respectively follow from perceived status and competition.2020Social isolation and loneliness among older adults in the context of COVID-19: a global challenge 2020Aging in Times of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Avoiding Ageism and Fostering Intergenerational Solidarity 2013The Role of the Media in the Construction of Public Belief and Social Change 2020Ageism and COVID-19: what does our society’s response say about us?2018A General Critical Discourse Analysis Framework for Educational Research 2020Six Propositions against Ageism in the COVID-19 Pandemic 2013Ageism and Social Integration of Older Adults in Their Neighborhoods in Israel

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2025Integrating older persons’ narratives of resistance with critical discourse analysis to counter ageist discourses

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