Palliative care and autonomy of older adults exposed to Covid-19

Abstract

This article aims to contextualize the Covid-19 pandemic regarding older adults in view of age-related criteria to allocate scarce healthcare resources imposed in some prevention protocols, evidencing discrimination against elderly people for disregarding their biography and values. The goal of this study is to defend autonomy in old age and highlight the need for access to palliative care, regardless of whether resources are available. To this end, it conducts a bibliographic and legal-dogmatic investigation with a qualitative approach. The research concludes that in a situation where collective interest should prevail, palliative care is crucial to respect the autonomy and dignity of the aged, granting them a better experience at the end of life.