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 (3) and less than 5 years in APA format.
Introduction
Healthy aging is a crucial aspect of public health, as it ensures that individuals can lead satisfying and productive lives as they grow older. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines healthy aging as a process that enables individuals of all ages to live in a healthy, safe, and socially inclusive manner. However, social determinants of health for older adults can be greatly impacted by poverty. This essay aims to explore the implications of living in poverty on the social determinants of health for older adults. Drawing on recent literature, this discussion will highlight the specific ways in which poverty influences various determinants, including housing, access to healthcare, and social support networks.
Housing and Poverty
One significant social determinant of health for older adults is housing. Access to adequate and affordable housing is essential for maintaining health and wellbeing. However, poverty can restrict older adults’ ability to secure suitable housing. According to a study by Johnson and Oswald (2017), older adults living in poverty are more likely to reside in substandard housing or experience housing instability. These living conditions can have detrimental effects on their overall health and quality of life.
Substandard housing can contribute to deteriorating physical health in several ways. For instance, inadequate insulation or heating can lead to colder indoor temperatures, increasing the risk of cardiovascular and respiratory problems among older adults (Kanamori et al., 2018). Additionally, substandard housing may lack proper sanitation facilities, increasing the vulnerability of older adults to infections and communicable diseases (Johnson & Oswald, 2017). Ultimately, living in poverty can limit the options available to older adults in terms of housing, leading to compromised living conditions and potential health risks.
Access to Healthcare and Poverty
Another social determinant significantly impacted by poverty is access to healthcare. Access to affordable and comprehensive healthcare services is crucial for preventing and managing health conditions in older adults. However, poverty can limit older adults’ ability to afford healthcare and access necessary treatments. Research by Chen et al. (2017) found that older adults living in poverty were more likely to have unmet healthcare needs compared to their counterparts with higher socioeconomic status. This disparity in healthcare access can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and poorer health outcomes among older adults living in poverty.
The financial limitations imposed by poverty can result in older adults forgoing necessary healthcare services due to prohibitive costs. For example, older adults in poverty may be unable to afford timely screenings or diagnostic tests, resulting in delayed detection and treatment of diseases (Chen et al., 2017). This delay can significantly impact health outcomes and increase the risk of complications. Moreover, the affordability of prescription medications is often a challenge for older adults living in poverty, leading to medication non-adherence and inadequate disease management (Chen et al., 2017). Consequently, poverty can act as a significant barrier to accessing healthcare services, thereby compromising the health and wellbeing of older adults.
Social Support Networks and Poverty
Social support networks are essential for maintaining mental and emotional wellbeing among older adults. These networks can provide companionship, emotional support, and assistance in times of need. However, poverty can erode social support networks, making it difficult for older adults to maintain relationships and access support when required. Research by Scharlach et al. (2018) found that poverty among older adults was associated with increased social isolation and reduced social connectedness.