SDG 1 No poverty: Poverty in Old Age
In the first contribution to the SDG-themed series, FH lecturer Lukas Richter provides insights into his research on old-age poverty.
Put an end to poverty – everywhere and in all its forms. This is the aspiration that the United Nations’ Agenda 2030 starts out with. In this context, poverty refers not only to a lack of income, but also to restricted access to education, health, and social participation.
Risk of poverty in old age
Austria is also facing this challenge. The AROPE Indicator (“At Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion”) used throughout Europe shows: Despite our well-developed social system, 17% of the population are at risk of poverty or face social exclusion.
Two groups particularly affected by this are young people under 18 and older people. Due to diverse factors, many older people have very low pensions and are frequently forced to spend their whole retired lives carefully managing their meagre resources. The research work of Lukas Richter contributes to making these problem areas more visible – because Lukas is convinced: “Only by putting important topics such as these back on the agenda again and again can we prevent them from being overlooked.”
Between research and teaching: old-age poverty as a cross-cutting topic
The focus topics of Lukas Richter are as diverse as the issue itself. They range from questions pertaining to the measurability and classification of old-age poverty through the analysis of material and health-related stresses to the digital exclusion of older people. By way of his teaching/research projects, Lukas’ work ties up directly with the education offered in the Social Work study programme. In this way, he contributes not only to the scientific discourse, but also to the sensitisation and training of future specialists – true to the motto: education for sustainable development.
About Our SDG-Themed Series
As part of our SDG-themed series, we dedicate each week to one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The selected contributions shall serve as examples of how the St. Pölten UAS strives to contribute to a sustainable future. We will examine diverse topics – from poverty in old age to sustainable food systems.
