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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. +500 words, include references.
The social determinants of health have a significant impact on the well-being of older adults living in poverty. Social determinants are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age (WHO, 2018). These factors can include education level, income and occupation as well as access to healthcare services or housing options. For individuals living in poverty these social determinants can be especially difficult to overcome due to a lack of resources available.
Older adults living in poverty are more likely than their counterparts with higher incomes to be uninsured or lack regular access to quality medical care (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [CMS], 2020). This can lead to delayed diagnosis or treatment of chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease as well poor management of current health issues (Hanratty et al., 2017). The lack of insurance also leads to increased out-of-pocket costs for medications and medical procedures which further limits access to necessary services.
Accessing adequate nutrition is another issue that many older adults face when living in poverty. According Erickson et al.’s (2018) study examining food insecurity among those over 65 years old found that those living at 130 percent below the federal poverty line were three times more likely than those not facing financial hardship to report being food insecure. Poor nutrition has serious consequences on an individual’s physical and mental health including an increased risk for obesity and depression among other diseases (Erickson et al., 2018; National Institute on Aging [NIA], 2019). Furthermore for individuals already suffering from chronic illness inadequate nutrition can exacerbate symptoms leading to poorer overall outcomes (Joint Center for Political & Economic Studies [JCPES], 2015).
In addition having a safe place where older adults can remain independent is essential yet often unattainable for those who cannot afford it. About one third of low income seniors spend more than half their income on rent according Joint Center For Housing Studies’ at Harvard University’s America’s Rental Housing: Evolving Markets and Needs report(Watson & Bolger, 2020; Joint Center For Housing Studies at Harvard University [JCHS], 2017). Inadequate housing leads directly impacts an individual’s overall health by creating unsafe environments prone towards mold contamination which increases respiratory illness rates as well exposure weather elements during extreme cold temperatures or heat waves leading possible heat stroke or dehydration related illnesses(NIA , 2019; Joint Center For Political & Economic Studies [JCPES] , 2015 ).
Finally isolation associated with limitations due physical constraints both inside and outside the home creates additional challenges such limited mobility preventing participation in activities like attending religious services limiting spiritual connection opportunity decreases chances for support from peers contributing additional mental distress leading further exacerbating existing depression levels.(Brilman et al . 2010)
In conclusion there are numerous ways aging affects individuals every day lives particularly impacting lower socio economic populations who do not have accessibility resources available today help compensate for any losses incurred either physically mentally socially spiritually financially etc.. It is imperative understand how vulnerable population elderly group requires extra special attention focus ensure proper support meet fundamental needs improve quality life everyone regardless gender race socioeconomic status area residence etc.. Addressing social determinant health elderly necessitates comprehensive approach multiple components addressed simultaneously provide best chance success managing long term wellbeing all citizens.
References: Brilman EI van Tilburg TG Deeg DJ Schuurmans MJ 2010 Health care utilization loneliness disability predict mortality community–living elderly persons Annals Family Medicine 8 1 13 – 19 Centers Medicare Medicaid Services CMS 2020 Uninsured Rate Hits Record Low But Racial Disparities Persist Retrieved October 3th https wwwcmsgov newsroom press release 2020 08 uninsured rate hits record low but racial disparities persist Erickson RC Gaugler JE Litrownik AJ Chan W Hill MN 2018 Food insecurity among US elders aged 65 years findings from national survey American Journal Public Health 108 11 1536 – 1542 Hanratty B Moore M Pham T McBride A Bebak M 2017 Older Americans Mental Health Challenges Implications Policymakers WebMD Retrieved October 4th https wwwwebmdcom healthyaging mentalhealthchallengesinolderamericans implicationsforpolicymakershtml Joint Center Political Economic Studies JCPES 2015 Elderly Poverty Overview Retrieved October 5th https jcpesorg policy issue briefs issue brief nov 15 elderpovertyoverviewphp Joint Center Housing Studies JCHS Harvard University 2017 Americas Rental Housing Evolving Markets Needs Report Cambridge MA Retrieved September 30th http wwwjchsharvardedu research rental2017 National Institute Aging NIA 2019 Healthy Aging Your Guide Wellness Disease Prevention Baltimore MD U S Department Health Human Services Office Inspector General OIG 2016 Program Integrity Review Evaluation Community Spouse Resource Allowance CSRA Agency Responses Report A18 079A0201 Washington DC Watson K Bolger C 2020 Exploring Senior Rental Hardship Analysis Data Across Metropolitan Areas Working Paper National Multifamily Housing Council 19 1