Causes of poverty: age

Causes of Poverty: Age

Children (0‑12 years)

• Dependency: Children cannot earn money, so they rely on parents or caregivers. • Education costs: School fees, uniforms, and books can strain a family’s budget. • Health care: Vaccinations and medical visits add extra expenses.
🧒 Analogy: Think of a child as a small sapling that needs water and sunlight to grow. If the sapling (child) doesn’t get enough water (money for food, school, health), it stays weak and can’t reach its full height (future opportunities).

Youth (13‑18 years)

• Limited job experience: Youth often lack the skills that employers want. • School dropout: Leaving school early reduces future earning potential. • Social pressures: Peer influence can lead to risky behaviours that hurt finances.
🧑‍🎓 Analogy: Imagine a young athlete who has great talent but no coach. Without guidance (education and training), the athlete may not reach the podium (high-paying job).

Adults (19‑64 years)

• Job instability: Part‑time or seasonal work can keep wages low. • Skill mismatch: Rapid technology changes mean some adults cannot find suitable jobs. • Family responsibilities: Caring for children or elderly relatives can limit working hours.
👨‍💼 Analogy: Think of an adult as a car that needs the right fuel (skills) to run efficiently. If the car runs on low‑grade fuel (outdated skills), it stalls and can’t reach its destination (financial stability).

Elderly (65+ years)

• Retirement income: Pensions or savings may be insufficient for living costs. • Medical expenses: Chronic illnesses increase spending. • Social isolation: Limited social networks can reduce informal support.
👴 Analogy: Picture an old bridge that needs maintenance. If the bridge (elderly) isn’t repaired (health care, financial support), it can collapse, leaving people stranded.

Age‑Related Poverty Data

Exam Tips

• Use age examples to illustrate how poverty differs across life stages. • Explain the “dependency cycle” for children and the “skill mismatch” for adults. • Include data from the table to support your arguments. • Remember the word limit – keep explanations concise but clear. 📌 Tip: When answering “Why does age affect poverty?”, start with a brief definition, then give two specific age‑related causes, and finish with a short example or analogy.