Introduction
In today’s culture, social and economic disparities among older people are a serious concern. Poverty, unequal access to healthcare and appropriate housing, and differences in obtaining retirement plans and other necessary services disproportionately impact older adults. 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 racism, poverty, ill health, discrimination, a lack of education, citizenship status, and sexual orientation.
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.
Elderly people who live in poverty may also experience loneliness and social isolation. 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 contact can exacerbate any pre-existing medical problems linked to poverty by fostering feelings of isolation and hopelessness (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 as a result, which could harm 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.
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 as a result. 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, which can make it difficult for them to pay for critical medical care and prescriptions (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). Elderly persons who are unable to work may also be unable to make as much money and pay for basic needs like housing and food. These monetary differences can worsen people’s physical and mental health by increasing their likelihood of poverty and homelessness.
The social disparities that older people face due to poor health can drastically reduce their quality of life. While 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). Finally, there is a link between income inequality and a higher likelihood of homelessness and poverty. Therefore, society must take action to make sure that the elderly population has access to the resources and assistance needed to maintain both their financial stability and physical and mental well-being.
Discrimination and Racism
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). The fact that older individuals of color frequently have less financial security than older people with white skin is well documented. 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). Their history of being treated unfairly by the rest of society and their lack of access to resources and services are the causes of this. Inadequate treatment and diagnoses and worse health outcomes may result from this (Simons et al., 2021). This could have a long-term impact on elderly people of color’s quality of life and ability to age safely and healthily. As a result, elderly individuals of color may have higher levels of worry and sadness and a higher chance of developing physical and mental health problems.
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).
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.
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, and this 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. According to a 2013 survey, people 65 and older who completed high school or more were more likely to find work than those who did not (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.
Education is the last factor that can significantly affect an aged person’s capacity to use and access technology. 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. A 2015 study found that 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, having a higher education level can help reduce the digital divide among the elderly. Overall, it is evident that education can significantly affect a senior’s quality of life.
Citizenship Status
Social inequities among the elderly are directly impacted by citizenship status. For instance, when they get older, immigrants and refugees frequently encounter a unique set of difficulties. They might not be able to receive certain social services and benefits without citizenship, such as Social Security, which could restrict their access to resources like healthcare (Qureshi & Gele, 2022). Furthermore, as many elderly immigrants cannot work because of their age or health problems, they might not be able to get some benefits that would otherwise be available to individuals with citizenship or permanent residency. This may result in a declining quality of life and worse health consequences.
Additionally, language issues may make it challenging for older immigrants to receive services and comprehend policies. This can make it difficult to obtain medical care or comprehend the financial aid application process (Qureshi & Gele, 2022). Furthermore, immigrants could have trouble accessing the healthcare system if they don’t speak the language or have access to an interpreter. This may result in subpar or no healthcare, harming health outcomes. Moreover, prejudice against older immigrants owing to their citizenship status may occur, which can cause feelings of loneliness and alienation (Hawkins et al., 2022). This may harm mental health and make it challenging for older immigrants to interact with others and form connections.
Sexual Identity and Orientation
Due to inadequate protection of the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) elders in many parts of the United States, sexual identity and orientation status can lead to social inequities among the elderly. This lack of protection in industries like work, social services, assisted living, and healthcare frequently causes inequality and prejudice. For instance, discrimination against LGBTQ people in housing is still rampant in many parts of the United States, as many have not accepted it (Polonijo & Vogelsang, 2023). This makes it challenging for senior LGBTQ people to find safe, decent accommodation.
Furthermore, there is unequal access to healthcare for senior LGBTQ people because many healthcare professionals and elder care facilities are not adequately informed on the health needs of LGBTQ people. In addition, it is considerably less likely that LGBTQ seniors will have access to support groups; many LGBTQ seniors must re-enter the closet to escape prejudice or rejection from family or friends.
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 discrimination, educational attainment, and citizenship status. The effect of sexual identity and orientation on social inequality has also been covered. 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 physical and mental health, society must take action to ensure that they have access to the resources and support they require.
References
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