The Truth About Poverty Rates

There has been a great deal of debate about the role of politicians and policies and their impact on poverty rates in recent times. The truth is that despite the discussions and criticism, poverty rates in the US have fallen significantly.

As the infographic below shows, the proportion of people living in poverty fell from 27.3% in 1959 to 21.1% in 2014. In the last 40 years, personal income has almost doubled from an average of $17,292 in 1970 to $30,176 in 2014. 

The war on poverty has been an ongoing mission for US presidents throughout the ages. Franklin D. Roosevelt was credited with making a significant impact when introducing the Social Security Act of 1935, and this was followed by a host of developments designed to improve employment prospects, fund construction and innovation and provide relief for those in need. In 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson passed Social Security amendments, expanding benefits and launching Medicare and Medicaid and introducing measures, including food stamps, to raise the standard of living.

Poverty rates have declined across all demographics in the last 50 years, with the most significant change in rates among over 65s. 

More recently, continued improvements in Social Security have contributed to more than 21 million Americans being lifted out of poverty, with Medicare one of the main reasons adults are less likely to be out of pocket. At the age of 65, Medicare lowers the risk of experiencing difficulty paying medical bills and having to borrow money to fund treatment by 35%.

Infographic Design By this infographic about declining poverty rates

How to Make a Difference in Healthcare

There are plenty of factors to consider when you’re thinking about which career you want to pursue. For example, you’ll need to think about motivation. It could be that you’re attracted to earning as much money as possible, or that you want to work in a position related to your passion, or anything else. One job requirement that is increasingly popular is that it must make a positive impact on the world. This has gained in popularity in recent years, because people have come to understand that making a positive difference in society is highly rewarding. And it makes sense that people with highly satisfying jobs are more content in their private lives too (the two, after all, are not isolated from one another).

If this is your aim, then it’s a good idea to look at the industry that does the most good: healthcare. But it’s not as if you need to become a doctor or a nurse to make a difference in this sector. Indeed, the position that makes the biggest contribution towards pushing the world of healthcare forward isn’t on the frontline at all: they’re behind the scenes. Healthcare executives are responsible for all manner of duties, many of which have a direct impact on the level of care that’s provided. For example, they can ensure that the value of treatment is fair, and help to control the cost of drugs.

If this is a position that interests you, find out more by checking out the info graphic below. 

Infographic Design By USC USC

Steps You Could Take To Improve Your Relationship

Whether your relationship is currently at a high or a low, there are always improvements that you can make. You can always strengthen your bond with your partner, and you should always aim to do that if you want to enjoy a happy relationship on a long-term basis. A healthy and happy relationship must constantly grow as you and your loved one continue to grow. It can’t stay the same over the years because you and your partner won’t stay the same. So, you have to take your relationship in the right direction. You have to ensure that it keeps changing in a positive manner. These are some steps you could take to improve your relationship.

Spend Time Together

Make sure you and your partner spend time together if you want to maintain a happy and healthy relationship. You might have busy lives, but you need to make time for each other. Even if you live together, that doesn’t mean it stops being important to go on vacations or simply go on dinner dates. You need to put the effort into keeping your relationship strong. Enjoying each other’s company is a big part of this. Your partner is more than just your roommate, and it’d be wise to remember that. Simply relaxing on the couch at the end of a long day and laughing at a funny Netflix show, for example, can be a great way to maintain a strong connection.

Support One Another

It’s crucial that you and your partner remember to support each other. You could improve your relationship by simply improving your communication. Many couples avoid communicating properly because they want to avoid conflict, but shying away from a problem won’t make it go away. You have to face your issues together. Life isn’t always easy, as everyone knows. Your partner should be there for you, and you should be there for them. This is the true test of any relationship. Communicating well with regards to sex, for instance, is essential. Of course, it’s also important to communicate when it comes to problems that might be persistent. For example, unhealthy habits should be discussed before they become damaging to your relationship. You might want to join a partner support counseling group if your loved one has an addiction to sex. It’s important that you feel supported, too.

Make Intimacy a Priority

Many people view intimacy as a luxury, rather than a necessity, and this can be a very damaging mentality in a relationship. We’re complex creatures, but we have basic needs. That’s why it’s so important to make intimacy a priority in your relationship. Simply being close to your loved one in a physical sense can make such a big difference to the wellbeing of both your body and your mind. So, if you and your loved one are struggling in that department, then make time to be physically intimate with one another.

You might not be in the honeymoon phase anymore, but that doesn’t mean it’s no longer important to show your love for one another. Yes, you’re best friends, but you’re also lovers. Remind yourself of that on a regular basis. Schedule time for intimacy if that’s what it takes. You might be busy, but you should always be able to find time to maintain your connection with your loved one. And remember that intimacy is about more than sex. Even cuddles on the couch are important. If you want a healthy relationship for a long time, then make it your priority to stay physically intimate with your partner. Emotional intimacy is essential, too, of course, but even that is linked to physical intimacy.

***Collaborative Post