Evaluate the impact of poverty on older adults. Make sure to include the impact on their physical and mental health and health promotion recommendations.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Impact of Poverty on Older Adults
Introduction
Poverty is a critical social determinant of health that significantly affects older adults, influencing their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. As individuals age, they often face unique challenges related to economic hardship, exacerbated by fixed incomes and increasing healthcare costs. This evaluation will explore the multifaceted impacts of poverty on older adults, focusing on both physical and mental health implications, and will provide recommendations for health promotion.
Impact of Poverty on Physical Health
1. Access to Healthcare
Older adults living in poverty frequently encounter barriers to accessing necessary healthcare services, which can lead to:
– Delayed Medical Care: Financial constraints may prevent them from seeking timely medical attention or following through with recommended treatments.
– Inadequate Preventive Care: Limited access to preventive services can result in undiagnosed or untreated conditions, leading to complications.
2. Chronic Illness and Disease Management
Poverty significantly correlates with the prevalence of chronic diseases among older adults. Key factors include:
– Poor Nutrition: Limited financial resources often lead to insufficient access to nutritious foods, increasing the risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues.
– Health Complications: Chronic illnesses may be poorly managed due to a lack of resources for medications or regular check-ups, resulting in worse health outcomes.
3. Living Conditions
Substandard housing conditions can adversely affect the physical health of older adults:
– Unsafe Environments: Poor living conditions can increase the risk of falls and injuries due to lack of safety features (e.g., handrails, proper lighting).
– Environmental Health Hazards: Exposure to mold, pests, and inadequate heating or cooling systems can exacerbate respiratory conditions and other health issues.
Impact of Poverty on Mental Health
1. Increased Risk of Mental Health Disorders
Older adults living in poverty are at a heightened risk for mental health issues such as:
– Depression: Financial strain and feelings of helplessness can lead to increased rates of depression among older adults.
– Anxiety: Concerns about meeting basic needs and the fear of becoming further impoverished contribute to anxiety disorders.
2. Social Isolation
Poverty often leads to social isolation, which can negatively impact mental health:
– Reduced Social Interaction: Limited financial resources may prevent participation in social activities, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
– Loss of Support Networks: Economic difficulties can strain relationships with family and friends, further isolating older adults.
3. Cognitive Decline
Chronic stress related to poverty can contribute to cognitive decline:
– Stress Impact on Cognition: Prolonged exposure to stress can impair cognitive functions, increasing the risk of dementia and other cognitive disorders.
Health Promotion Recommendations
To mitigate the adverse effects of poverty on older adults’ health, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. The following recommendations aim to promote physical and mental well-being:
1. Enhancing Access to Healthcare
– Community Health Services: Establish low-cost or free clinics that cater specifically to older adults, ensuring they receive essential healthcare services.
– Telehealth Options: Promote telehealth services to increase access for those with mobility or transportation challenges, facilitating routine check-ups and consultations.
2. Nutrition Assistance Programs
– Food Security Initiatives: Support programs such as food pantries and Meals on Wheels that provide nutritious meals directly to older adults.
– Nutrition Education: Offer workshops that educate older adults about budgeting for healthy foods and preparing nutritious meals on a limited income.
3. Social Engagement Opportunities
– Community Centers: Develop programs at local community centers that encourage social interaction, such as exercise classes, art workshops, or game nights.
– Volunteer Programs: Create opportunities for older adults to engage in volunteer work, fostering a sense of purpose while combating isolation.
4. Mental Health Support Services
– Access to Counseling: Increase the availability of mental health services tailored for older adults, including counseling and support groups.
– Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Programs: Implement programs that teach mindfulness practices and stress reduction techniques to improve mental well-being.
5. Safe Housing Initiatives
– Housing Assistance Programs: Advocate for affordable housing options for older adults and provide resources for home modifications to enhance safety.
– Home Safety Assessments: Offer assessments for home safety to identify hazards and recommend modifications that reduce fall risks.
Conclusion
The impact of poverty on older adults is profound, affecting their physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive approach that enhances access to healthcare, improves nutrition security, fosters social connections, and provides mental health support. By implementing these health promotion recommendations, we can work toward alleviating the burdens faced by older adults living in poverty and promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives in their later years.