Introduction
In today’s culture, social and economic disparities among older people are a serious concern. Older people are disproportionately affected by poverty, inequitable access to healthcare and suitable housing, and disparities in acquiring retirement plans and other essential services. Due to the growing older population, their greater frailty, and their rising need for help, this issue is severe.
One of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in our society, the elderly experience various social and economic injustices due to poverty, ill health, a lack of education, and discrimination issues. There are various approaches to solving these problems:
- Issuing anti-discriminatory policies.
- Providing universal healthcare for elderly people.
- Helping them to find a job or learn new skills.
- Educating them.
Poverty
The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to poverty due to several factors, including limited income, lack of access to resources and services, and escalating healthcare costs. Poverty can have a variety of repercussions on the older population, including a decline in quality of life. Those who are not impoverished might not have the same access to resources like wholesome food and health care as those who are (MacGuire, 2020). Among the potential health issues that could arise are malnutrition and a raised risk of chronic illnesses.
In addition, poverty may lead to social isolation and loneliness in elderly individuals. Poor people might not have the same access to social opportunities as those in better financial circumstances, including social clubs, educational opportunities, and volunteer work. This lack of social interaction can lead to emotions of loneliness and despair, aggravating any physical issues associated with poverty that may already exist (MacGuire, 2020). Poverty can lead to a decreased sense of safety and security since impoverished individuals do not have access to the same transportation or home security level. The elderly population’s quality of life may suffer, harming their long-term health.
Living in poverty can have a significant and long-term influence on the older population. One of the worst consequences of poverty is the buildup of debt, which can be challenging to repay. Due to their advanced age or physical limitations, older people are particularly vulnerable to these financial problems. They might then find themselves unable to pay off the debt they’ve racked up over the years and fighting to make ends meet (Gao et al., 2021).
Poverty can also restrict one’s ability to get medical treatment. Poor health outcomes may result from elderly people living in poverty not having access to good healthcare. They might also be underinsured for medical expenses, leaving them with large medical bills that would be challenging to pay (Gao et al., 2021). Lack of access to necessities like wholesome food and tools to sustain a healthy lifestyle, like fitness classes or healthy living programs, can also result from poverty (MacGuire, 2020). This could increase their likelihood of developing chronic illnesses and diseases, harming their general health.
Solutions
Elderly people who are trapped in poverty usually cannot escape it alone, as their health and general conditions lead to hardness in finding an appropriate job and earning money. Therefore, policies and programs aimed at providing food and direct financial support to those who live in extreme poverty may help (MacGuire, 2020).
In addition, various educational programs for the elderly will help them learn relevant working skills, as they will be able to find a job and feel more secure (Vasquez, 2019). Studies show that older people who obtain an education are much more satisfied with life, have higher self-esteem, and have fewer depression symptoms (Nyandra et al., 2018). Thus, providing relevant education for elders who live in poverty and helping them to find a job is a crucial long-term solution. Direct support with food and money can help those who cannot make ends meet.
Poor Health
The social injustices this age group experiences can be significantly influenced by ill health, making the elderly one of society’s most vulnerable and marginalized groups. Due to different physical, emotional, and financial difficulties brought on by poor health, the quality of life for older people might suffer long-lasting and adverse repercussions (Jones et al., 2019). Poor physical health may make it difficult for elderly persons to engage in activities and social gatherings that otherwise benefit their mental and emotional well-being.
Feelings of loneliness and isolation, both of which can be detrimental to someone’s mental health, can be brought on by this and can exacerbate pre-existing conditions like melancholy or anxiety (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). As a person’s physical health deteriorates, it may also hinder their ability to perform daily tasks like cooking and laundry, which can be difficult for elderly people to outsource. An increased need for help from friends and family may develop. The need for a long-term care facility, which can be expensive and emotionally exhausting, may arise in several instances.
Due to an increased risk of cognitive decline, poor mental health might contribute to social inequities among older people. The ability of elderly people to engage in meaningful social interaction may be reduced as cognitive impairment worsens, and they grow more forgetful, disoriented, and confused. This may result in feelings of loneliness and a lack of ability to engage in past interests, including hobbies or volunteer work (Jones et al., 2019). Deterioration in cognitive function might also increase the likelihood of hospitalizations and falls, which can be physically and psychologically taxing for older adults.
Moreover, due to the higher expense of medical care and treatments, ill health among the elderly can cause financial inequities. Elderly people may not have the same resources as younger people, such as employment security or health insurance, making it difficult to pay for critical medical care and prescriptions (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). The incapacity to work may also prevent elderly people from earning as much money and affording necessities like food and housing. These monetary differences can worsen people’s physical and mental health by increasing their likelihood of poverty and homelessness.
Solutions
While poor health is a common problem among older people, their access to healthcare services is usually limited. Poor mental health can result in cognitive decline and loneliness. Poor physical health can make it challenging to participate in worthwhile activities and increase the risk of falls and hospitalizations (Jones et al., 2019). In addition, they may have limited access to public services such as parks, and to solve the problem of the elderly population’s poor health, the situation with public service access needs to be monitored.
Modern technologies, such as wearable bracelets that monitor blood sugar levels, can be widely implemented to monitor and maintain elderly people’s health without complications (Liu et al., 2019). In addition, proper education is necessary to ensure that they will understand the purpose of such monitoring and how it works (Hepburn, 2022). These actions will ensure that the elderly population has access to the resources and assistance needed to maintain their financial stability and physical and mental well-being.
Level of Education
Older people’s education levels are a significant element in socioeconomic inequality. Their education significantly influences an individual’s prosperity and quality of life, which is also true for older people. A person’s capacity to obtain better jobs, housing, and overall financial security might be determined by their level of education. Elderly people are more likely to encounter social injustices without these essentials. (Hargittai et al., 2019)
It is generally acknowledged that higher levels of education result in better life outcomes. All age groups can benefit from this, but the elderly in particular. A 2013 study found that persons 65 and older with a high school diploma or higher had a better likelihood of finding employment than those with a lower level of education (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). The survey also discovered that persons with greater education levels reported higher salaries and better health.
Beyond the workplace, education has long-lasting impacts. Researchers discovered in a 2011 study that persons 65 and older with greater levels of education were more likely to engage in social activities than adults with lower levels of education. A more excellent social network and participation in activities supporting physical and mental health were also more prevalent in these people (Gao et al., 2021). This is crucial since engaging in social activities and maintaining a robust social network can lessen loneliness and isolation, two frequent emotions among the elderly.
Additionally, education might increase one’s access to healthcare. A 2008 study found that older people with higher education levels were more likely to be insured and have greater access to healthcare than senior people with lower education levels (Hargittai et al., 2019). This is probably because people with greater education levels are more likely to have better occupations and higher earnings, which can result in better access to healthcare.
Solutions
As mentioned in other sections, education is crucial for solving poverty and ill health issues. It is a large domain as the modern world becomes increasingly complex. Today’s society emphasizes technology, which can significantly impact an aging person’s capacity to maintain relationships with loved ones, keep up with current affairs, and access services and benefits. Senior people with higher levels of education were more likely than those with lower levels of education to use computers, tablets, and cell phones (Breger, 2022). Thus, higher education can help reduce the digital divide among the elderly.
It is essential to ensure quality education for elderly people and explain how it can help them. As mentioned, regular visits to education and training sessions improve elderly people’s well-being and reduce depression (Nyandra et al., 2018). Personal health management and other healthcare services are also complex right now, and it would be helpful to explain them to elderly populations, issuing educational programs for this purpose (Hepburn, 2022). Very few programs for elderly education exist, and it is a gap that should be filled. Unlike stereotypes, old people are usually willing to learn new things, which could help them fight poverty and depression (Vasquez, 2019). It will improve society’s well-being and produce a more qualified workforce, as educated elders would be mostly happy to realize themselves at work and earn money.
Various Forms of Discrimination
Members of various racial and ethnic groups have a long history of experiencing discrimination and racism, particularly for older persons of color. There are notable discrepancies between older people of color and their white counterparts due to the long-term repercussions of such discrimination, including differences in economic position, access to resources, and quality of life (Simons et al., 2021).
It is well-known that older persons of color often have less financial security than older people of white skin. This results from prior discriminatory actions taken in the workplace, concerning housing, and in other contexts. For instance, compared to their white counterparts, older persons of color frequently face lower incomes, fewer career possibilities, and restricted access to property ownership and wealth-building (Paul et al., 2019). As a result, it is more difficult for them to access services like transportation, healthcare, and other necessities.
Moreover, older people of color experience social and psychological disadvantages and economic problems. Age-related isolation, helplessness, and hopelessness are more common in older adults of color (Paul et al., 2019). This results from their lack of access to resources and services and a history of receiving unfair treatment from the rest of society.
The treatment of elderly people of color in healthcare settings is another illustration of the adverse effects of racism and prejudice. According to research, medical personnel frequently give poorer care to older individuals of race and have lower expectations of them (Paul et al., 2019). Inadequate treatment and diagnoses and worse health outcomes may result from this. This may have a long-term effect on the standard of living and capacity for healthy and secure aging of older persons of color.
Furthermore, the mental and physical health of elderly persons of color might suffer from racism and discrimination as well. According to research, older people of color are more prone than white individuals to suffer from sadness, anxiety, and other mental health problems (Simons et al., 2021). This may result from the additional stress brought on by dealing with frequent bigotry and discrimination. Inadequate access to mental health services or the stigma attached to getting treatment for mental health problems may also be to blame.
Solutions
Anti-discrimination policies can solve many of the mentioned problems, reducing the burden for underserved social groups and being the first step to ensuring their inclusion. At first, all institutionalized forms of discrimination should be prohibited, which would help minorities, such as people of color or LGBT people, obtain a quality education, healthcare, and social support (Simons et al., 2021). Then, those who got into terrible situations, such as homelessness, due to racial or social discrimination should obtain help (Paul et al., 2021). Such an inclusive approach will support elderly people suffering from discrimination, enabling them to recover and integrate into society. It will provide them access to all programs and services mentioned in other sections, such as education, social support, healthcare facilities, and helping with jobs.
Conclusion
Social and economic disparities among the elderly are significant issues in contemporary culture. This essay has examined the various social and economic inequalities that older people encounter, including poverty, ill health, racism and social discrimination, and educational attainment. All of these elements may cause a reduction in elderly people’s quality of life and have a long-lasting impact on their physical and mental health.
To sustain the senior population’s financial security and health, society must take action to ensure that they have access to the resources and support they require. Examples are:
- Policies against discrimination.
- Providing inclusive and equal access to economic services.
- Issuing social programs to enhance elders’ education.
- Showing them how to use the Internet and other modern technologies.
Ensuring access to parks, gyms, and other social infrastructure is crucial to maintaining their health and well-being. Education programs aimed at helping them find a job and learn various skills they are interested in are useful in fighting poverty and homelessness. In addition, such practices will reduce mental issues among elderly people, as they will be more satisfied with their lives.
References
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