Healthy aging is an important public health issue, both nationally and internationally. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes healthy aging as a process whereby all people of all ages are able to live a healthy, safe and socially inclusive lifestyle. Discuss how social determinants of health for the older adult are impacted for those living in poverty. Word limit 500 words. Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references in APA format. last 5 years
Introduction
Healthy aging is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical, mental, and social well-being. It is a crucial public health issue globally, as the world’s population continues to age rapidly. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy aging refers to a process in which individuals of all ages can lead a safe, healthy, and socially inclusive lifestyle (2015). However, for older adults living in poverty, social determinants of health can be severely impacted, leading to detrimental effects on their overall well-being. This paper aims to discuss how social determinants of health are influenced for older adults living in poverty and analyze the existing literature on this topic.
Social Determinants of Health for Older Adults
Social determinants of health are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age, and these factors significantly influence their health outcomes. For older adults, various social determinants play a crucial role in healthy aging. These determinants include socioeconomic status, education, social support networks, and access to healthcare services. However, when older adults are living in poverty, these determinants can be significantly impacted, leading to adverse health outcomes.
Impacts of Poverty on Social Determinants of Health
Socioeconomic status is a key social determinant that influences the health of older adults. Poverty restricts access to essential resources such as nutritious food, safe housing, and healthcare services. This lack of resources can result in malnutrition, inadequate living conditions, and limited healthcare, all of which contribute to poor health outcomes for older adults (Nguyen et al., 2016). Furthermore, poverty often limits older adults’ ability to engage in activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercising or participating in social activities. As a result, they may experience social isolation, decreased mobility, and increased rates of chronic diseases (Woods et al., 2018).
Education is another crucial social determinant of health that can be affected by poverty. Older adults living in poverty often have lower levels of education, which can limit their access to information about healthcare and healthy lifestyle choices. This lack of education may lead to a decreased understanding of health issues, reduced adherence to medical treatments, and increased risk of preventable diseases (Khangura et al., 2018). Additionally, limited education may also limit employment opportunities for older adults, further exacerbating their financial insecurity and reliance on welfare programs.
Social support networks play a vital role in mitigating the negative impacts of aging. Older adults in poverty often experience limited social support due to their disadvantaged circumstances. They may lack family or community support systems, resulting in increased feelings of loneliness and isolation. Studies have shown that social isolation is associated with a higher risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and mortality among older adults (Holt-Lunstad et al., 2015). Moreover, the absence of social support can hinder access to emotional and instrumental support, which are essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being.
Access to healthcare services is another critical social determinant impacted by poverty. Older adults living in poverty often encounter barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to financial constraints and lack of transportation. This limited access to healthcare can lead to delayed diagnosis, inadequate management of chronic conditions, and increased healthcare utilization costs (Nardi et al., 2017). As a result, older adults living in poverty may face higher rates of hospitalizations, higher healthcare expenditures, and ultimately poorer health outcomes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social determinants of health greatly influence the well-being of older adults. Poverty significantly impacts these determinants, leading to adverse health outcomes for this vulnerable population. Socioeconomic status, education, social support networks, and access to healthcare services are all negatively affected by poverty, resulting in poor nutrition, inadequate living conditions, social isolation, and limited healthcare access for older adults living in poverty. Addressing these social determinants is crucial for promoting healthy aging and improving the overall well-being of older adults. Policy interventions and targeted strategies are needed to reduce poverty and create opportunities for older adults to age in a healthy and socially inclusive environment.