DESCRIPTION

The COVID-19 pandemic raised urgent questions about how scarce healthcare resources should be allocated fairly and equitably. This article examines the ethical implications of age-based allocation strategies, including the concepts of ?life-years saved? and ?fair innings,? and argues that such approaches risk perpetuating ageism and overlooking the diversity and societal contributions of older adults. The authors call for resource allocation frameworks that prioritize immediate reductions in mortality and morbidity while ensuring transparency, equity, and freedom from discrimination.