Young Women Prioritize Essentials to Tackle Rising Living Costs
Rising living costs have forced many young women in Australia to prioritize essential needs, revealing serious consequences for their health and well-being. A recent study sheds light on the choices these women make as they grapple with financial pressures and systemic inequalities.
Young Women Face Living Cost Pressures
Ruby Neisler, a 23-year-old from Logan, Queensland, exemplifies the struggles faced by many young women. Each week, she searches for bargains at Tribe of Judah, a discount supermarket that offers reduced grocery items, often near their expiration date. Neisler explains that her budget limits her to sales, leaving full-priced goods out of reach once she covers her rent.
Financial Strain on Essentials
As Neisler navigates her grocery shopping, she emphasizes the relief she finds at discount stores. She states, “I can afford to have a decent meal… and the laundry stuff — I can afford that as well, all in one shop without it hurting.” Unfortunately, the realities of the cost of living mean that many women are forced to cut back on essentials, including groceries and medical care.
Research Findings
A study from Deakin University highlights these trends. It surveyed 570 Australian women aged 18 to 40 and found that many are skipping meals or forgoing necessary medical attention to save money. According to Simone McCarthy, one of the authors of the study, young women are often navigating critical life decisions during this financially strained period.
- Almost half of the surveyed women held a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- 42.8% of participants were employed full-time.
- Close to 40% had dependent children.
The research indicates that women, often facing systemic inequalities, are bearing the brunt of these economic challenges. McCarthy notes that women are making difficult trade-offs that affect their health and financial stability.
Impact of Delayed Healthcare
Neisler is not alone in prioritizing immediate needs over healthcare. She admitted, “I went to the dentist for the first time in over a year… I was so scared of the cost.” This reluctance to seek medical attention is echoed by Dr. Nick Yim, president of the Australian Medical Association in Queensland, who warns of the severe consequences that can arise from delaying care.
Concerns for Women’s Health
Dr. Yim has observed many women prioritizing the health needs of their families above their own, which can lead to “increased pain, increased disability, or even tragic outcomes like death.” The current economic climate significantly impacts young women’s ability to manage their health effectively.
As many young women continue to navigate financial strains, the urgent need for support systems and accessible healthcare options becomes increasingly clear. Prioritizing essentials has become a fundamental survival strategy, underscoring the complex relationship between gender, economics, and health in Australia.
