Coping with the Care of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Central America: a Legal and Public Health Perspective

The emergence of the 2019 novel coronavirus had a profound impact on social and healthcare structures. Public health and social assistance systems were confronted with demands that had never been seen before, necessitating the implementation of efficient coordination with all public sectors. This integrative documentary review employed a qualitative approach to examine the legal-health framework that was developed at both the regional and individual levels to safeguard the well-being of older adults in Central American countries during the 2020–2021 biennium. The review provides a comprehensive examination of regional and national guidelines, health regulations, situational and epidemiological bulletins, national and regional strategies, technical recommendations, and sectoral protocols. The management of the pandemic among the older adult population revealed both shortcomings and achievements. These were contingent upon the approach taken, which was not collective despite the setting of regional goals during the health crisis. Ideological and political arguments that were not aligned with the scientific approach brought significant challenges to the region, with the impact being more pronounced according to the place of residence.