Introduction
For the present discussion, it was chosen to review an article written by Kwan and Walsh on the topic of poverty and old age. The researchers conducted an extensive review of literature on the subject in order to map out current empirical studies on old-age poverty, identify gaps in knowledge, and propose recommendations for the future exploration of the issue. The importance of such a literature review is attributed to the need to pay more attention to the eradication of poverty experienced by older adults (Wyman, Shiovitz-Ezra, & Bengel, 2018). Research plays an important role in addressing the issue because building a strong empirical base would inform “age-inclusive poverty alleviation policies, practices, and programs” (Kwan & Walsh, 2018, p. 1).
Main Text of the Discussion
One of important takeaways of the study is the identification of risk factors and processes associated with poverty. Risk factors of poverty include older age, individuals being retired or not employed, their previous employment was irregular or nonstandard, being a woman, being a woman who is not married or divorced, being non-native born or immigrant, immigrating at an older age, as well as living at households with higher numbers of children. Protective factors that reduce the risk of poverty include receiving financial transfers, homeownership, paid work post-retirement, and co-residency. When working with older adults, identifying protective and risk factors related to their lives in order to develop solutions for overcoming the challenges associated with poverty. It is understandable that those older adults who do not have enough financial resources to sustain their health need greater attention from healthcare providers (Hash, Jurkowski, & Krout, 2014). Being able to differentiate between risk factors contributing to poverty will enhance the capabilities of healthcare and social workers to provide high-quality care.
References
Hash, K., Jurkowski, E., & Krout, J. (2014). Aging in rural places: Programs, policies, and professional practice. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Kwan, C., & Walsh, C. (2018). Old age poverty: A scoping review of the literature.Cogent Social Sciences, 4(1). Web.
Wyman, M., Shiovitz-Ezra, S., & Bengel, J. (2018). Ageism in the health care system: Providers, patients, and systems.Contemporary Perspectives on Aging, 19. Web.