Discussion
Old age is often characterized by depreciating health and general well-being. For instance, the majority of people affected with chronic infections are usually older individuals due to their reduced immunity and limited activities (Singu et al., 2020). Even though the social determinants of health apply to everyone older individuals are the ones that are greatly impacted by these social determinants especially when they are from lower economic backgrounds. Therefore, this paper will discuss how social determinants of health for senior citizens are influenced by those living in poverty.
The first social determinant is access to quality healthcare. Since senior individuals are prone to be victims of chronic infections and conditions related to accidents, they require frequent and quality healthcare intervention or services to lead a comfortable life. However, medical services are usually expensive in many nations including the United States of America which is among the developed nations with no universal care (Hill-Briggs et al., 2020). Therefore, when older adults are living in poverty they might not have enough disposable income to take care of their medical bills and frequent consultations hence lowering their levels of comfort. Quality care is very essential, especially for older individuals that are why many nations have enacted policies to ensure that older adults living in poverty can easily access these services. For instance, in the United States of America, the Affordable Care Act was enacted to ensure that older adults suffering from certain chronic infections can easily access medical care.
Nutrition or food security is also another social determinant that can significantly influence the well-being of older adults. Food is a very essential component of life, and everyone needs food for the normal metabolic functioning of the body (Hill-Briggs et al., 2020). Older adults, especially those suffering from chronic infections such as diabetes may require foods that are very nutritious and healthy as opposed to junk food. However, a healthy and nutritious diet might be more expensive than a non-nutritious diet hence forcing those older adults living in poverty to consume unhealthy foods that might have adverse effects on their health. Additionally, older adults living in extreme poverty might lack the financial capability to access daily or regular meals, and this can have adverse effects on their already depreciating health.
Social interactions and belonging is also another essential social determinant for the healthy well-being of older adults. Everyone needs a social support system and a sense of belonging to lead a healthy life. Older adults, especially those living in poverty might lack the required social support to enable them to lead a healthy life due to several reasons. For instance, senior adults living in poverty might be abandoned by their families and forced to reside in homes. This might have an adverse impact on their psychological well-being (Singu et al., 2020). Additionally, since senior citizens engage in fewer activities they may lack an opportunity to create a social connection with others. For those older individuals living in poverty, this limited physical activity might be heightened because they might be unable to pay for services such as a caregiver, gym membership, or join a club to help create a social connection.
References
Hill-Briggs, F., Adler, N. E., Berkowitz, S. A., Chin, M. H., Gary-Webb, T. L., Navas-Acien, A., … & Haire-Joshu, D. (2021). Social determinants of health and diabetes: a scientific review. Diabetes care, 44(1), 258.
Singu, S., Acharya, A., Challagundla, K., & Byrareddy, S. N. (2020). Impact of social determinants of health on the emerging COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Frontiers in public health, 8, 406.