The deprived or the devil? A content analysis of the media representation of older adults under COVID-19 in Hong Kong

Abstract Older adults have been statistically proved to be at a higher risk of getting severely infected by the coronavirus COVID-19, evoking sweeping narratives compassionate ageism surrounding them in different discourses. By analysing media content, scholars from areas alerted us about amplified aroused pandemic crisis. However, we are still short empirical evidence learn how is constructed diverse sociocultural contexts wake this global This study provides case Hong Kong reflect on ageism, as set social inequalities, constructed. examining 814 articles collected three most popular newspapers with political orientations Kong, uses quantitative and qualitative content analysis examine older people generally represented. Then it further compares these representations influenced media's liberal or conservative preferences. Third, examines relationship between orientation forms The findings indicate that despite inclination newspapers, they portray population frail, dependent deprived not only biomedical level but all aspects life. also reveals populist both camps shown more hostile attitudes representing ageism. In contrast, conservative-leaning affirmed government's dominant role taking full responsibility for caring population. polarised frame cannot fully explain underpinnings implied policy processing contexts.