How Social Determinants of Health for the Older Adult are impacted for Those Living in Poverty. Healthy aging is a crucial global concern. The World Health Organizati

How Social Determinants of Health for the Older Adult are impacted for Those Living in Poverty.

Healthy aging is a crucial global concern. The World Health Organization defines healthy aging as the capacity of people of all age groups to lead safe, healthy, and socially inclusive lives (Perez et al., 2021). However, living in poverty, achieving healthy aging becomes a complex challenge due to the intricate interplay of social determinants of health. Elderly individuals possessing a reduced income exhibit a diminished propensity for physical activity and decreased utilization of preventive healthcare amenities. They also have an elevated inclination toward unhealthy conduct.

Consequently, escalated healthcare expenses ensue. Considerable malnourishment in the older populace stems from incapacitating circumstances, food scarcity, and disparities in accessible preventive medical care. A substantial social vulnerability, frequently evaluated via the prism of social determinants of health (SDH), significantly contributes to the emergence of malnutrition.

Older adults in poverty often face limited financial resources. This reduces access to basic needs such as nutritious food, suitable housing, and healthcare. Socioeconomic status directly affects an individual's ability to afford medical services, medications, and preventive measures. This results in higher susceptibility to chronic illnesses and poorer health outcomes. Furthermore, inadequate income leads to stress and anxiety, negatively impacting mental health.

Limited educational opportunities hinder older adults' ability to make informed decisions about their health. Health literacy is crucial for understanding medical instructions, managing chronic conditions, and seeking appropriate care. Individuals with lower education levels struggle to comprehend health information. This leads to inadequate self-care and delayed medical intervention. This contributes to the progression of health issues among impoverished older adults.

Housing quality profoundly influences health and well-being. Older adults grappling with poverty frequently inhabit substandard dwellings marked by overcrowding, insufficient heating, and inadequate sanitation (Wallace, 2019). These circumstances elevate susceptibility to respiratory ailments, infections, and accidents. Residing in unsafe neighborhoods also curtails outdoor movement. This fosters social seclusion and curtailing chances for physical activity. In this way, housing conditions intricately shape the health trajectories of impoverished older individuals. This, in turn, underscores the urgent need for interventions to enhance their living circumstances.

Poverty frequently gives rise to insufficient nutrition and a distressing lack of food security among older adults. This scarcity of resources impairs their ability to obtain nourishing sustenance. Older adults in this situation face malnutrition and risk the development of chronic ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis (Wallace, 2019). The ramifications of suboptimal dietary intake extend further. This undermines the immune system's resilience and renders older individuals more prone to infections. The intricate interplay between economic constraints and dietary inadequacies underscores the imperative of addressing food insecurity.

Restricted financial means translate into diminished access to crucial healthcare services. Older adults ensnared by poverty often encounter formidable obstacles in accessing quality healthcare services. They cannot manage exorbitant medical expenses, inadequate insurance coverage, and logistical hurdles in transportation. Consequently, medical attention, preventive screenings, and imperative treatments are postponed (Jeste, 2022). This results in compromised health outcomes and a heightened burden of chronic maladies. The confluence of these challenges accentuates the pressing need for comprehensive efforts to address the multifaceted barriers.

Poverty erodes social networks as individuals are less able to engage in social activities or maintain connections due to financial constraints. A robust social support system is a cornerstone for nurturing emotional well-being and maintaining physical health. It is particularly important within the older adult demographic (Arias et al., 2022). However, the scourge of poverty gradually erodes these vital networks. This is because financial constraints curtail the ability of individuals to partake in social activities or sustain meaningful connections. This insidious process propels the onset of social isolation, which, in turn, fuels an array of health issues. Notably, the spectrum of adverse outcomes encompasses not only the palpable grip of depression but also the insidious progression of cognitive decline. It also causes a heightened risk of cardiovascular ailments.