Multidimensional Care Poverty among East Asian and Nordic Older Adults

Abstract

Background and Objectives This study uses the care poverty framework, focusing on both individuals and structures. In this context, structures are represented by two welfare states: Taiwan, an East Asian welfare system, and Finland, a Nordic welfare state. This study explores multidimensional care poverty rates and examines three realms of individual factors (health status, socio-demographic factors, and care support availability) among older adults in these long-term care (LTC) models.

Research Design and Methods We analyzed data from the 2019 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Ageing Survey and the 2020 Daily Life and Care in Old Age Survey in Finland to compare the rates and factors of care poverty in these two culturally and structurally different countries.

Results Our analysis revealed different rates of care poverty in personal, practical, and socio-emotional care needs in the two countries. Under a familistic welfare regime, Taiwanese older adults had higher personal care poverty rates than their Finnish counterparts. Those living alone faced more personal and practical care poverty. Conversely, Finnish older adults, under the Nordic welfare model, experienced more practical and socio-emotional care poverty. Those with high care needs and disadvantaged social status and support were more likely to experience personal and practical care poverty. Socio-emotional care poverty varied with the availability of support and health status in both countries.

Discussion and Implications The study highlights the impact of two LTC policies and cultures on older adults’ multidimensional care poverty, identifying disadvantaged older adults under different welfare-transforming LTC models. Taiwan’s budget-constrained LTC policies and high family reliance contrast with Finland’s inadequate attention to the practical and socio-emotional needs of its ageing population. This study suggests that holistic LTC policies are needed in both countries to improve the well-being of older adults with limited support and health issues.