Text1by Maytte Ferreira Arteaga - Tuesday, December 5, 2023, 10:39 PM Number of replies: 0 Living in poverty can significantly contribute to a higher risk of health problems and reduced quality of life. If the person affected is an older adult, these factors can be even worse for this group due to several social determinants. For instance, barriers to accessing healthcare services or financial limitations can sometimes lead to foregone medical treatments. In this group, is expected to find chronic diseases and complications. For this reason, it should be crucial to focus not only on preventive care but also on treating chronic conditions like HTN, DM, etc. It is imperative to perform screenings that help to determine proper diagnosis, treatments and care. There are other kinds of disadvantages that poverty brings to older people's life. Malnutrition is one of the most common aspects affecting this group of age. Poor access to nutritious food frequently leads these people to several health issues. Another characteristic that this group presents is isolation, which can lead to a lack of proper care and depression. It is known that all of this leads to adverse health outcomes. Another aspect that affects older people living in poverty is poor environmental conditions, which can contribute to accidents, respiratory problems, etc. People living in poverty lack opportunities to access education. This can lead to needing more access to complex health services like Telemedicine or other resources. According to Shaw, M., & Davey Smith, G. (2019). To address healthcare for this vulnerable population, it should be necessary to coordinate social services, which focus on aiding accessibility to the healthcare system, nutritious food, opportunities for social inclusion, and improved living conditions. Proper attention to these aspects may lead to healthier aging outcomes and better quality of life.

Paper For Above instruction

Living in poverty profoundly impacts the health and well-being of older adults, posing significant challenges that contribute to poorer health outcomes and diminished quality of life. These difficulties are compounded by various social determinants that influence access to care, nutritional status, social support, and living environments. This essay explores the multifaceted effects of poverty on aging, emphasizing the importance of targeted healthcare strategies and social interventions to promote healthier aging among vulnerable populations.

Introduction

Poverty remains one of the most formidable barriers to achieving optimal health, particularly among older adults. It restricts access to essential services, nutritious food, and social support, all of which are critical for healthy aging. As populations age globally, addressing the disparities caused by socioeconomic disadvantage becomes increasingly vital to prevent a surge in chronic illnesses and reduce health inequalities.

Impact of Poverty on Health in Older Adults

Major health issues among impoverished elderly populations include chronic diseases such as hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), and cardiovascular diseases. Poverty limits access to preventive health services, screenings, and early diagnosis, leading to the progression of untreated conditions and more severe health complications (Shaw & Davey Smith, 2019). Moreover, poor living conditions, including inadequate housing and environmental hazards, increase the risk of accidents and respiratory illnesses. Malnutrition is another pervasive issue, as older adults living in poverty often lack access to nutritious, affordable food, resulting in weakened immune systems and increased vulnerability to illness. Social isolation, which frequently accompanies poverty, further exacerbates health problems by reducing social support, fostering depression, and hindering access to community-based resources that could improve health outcomes.

Barriers to Access and Social Determinants

Limited financial resources restrict the ability of impoverished seniors to obtain necessary healthcare, medications, and assistive services. Transportation barriers and lack of health insurance or coverage further impede their access to routine and emergency care. In addition, educational disparities contribute to limited health literacy, decreasing awareness of preventive measures and health management strategies.

Social determinants such as inadequate housing, unsafe environments, and limited social interactions negatively influence mental health and physical well-being. Older adults in poverty are more likely to reside in substandard housing that may pose safety risks or environmental hazards. Social isolation has been linked to increased mortality, cognitive decline, and depression, underscoring the need for social inclusion initiatives.

Addressing the Challenges

Effective strategies to improve health outcomes for aging populations living in poverty require a multifaceted approach. Integrating healthcare services with social support systems can facilitate better management of chronic illnesses and promote early intervention. Community health programs that include mobile clinics, telemedicine, and home health visits can bridge access gaps. Nutritional support initiatives, such as food assistance programs and community gardens, can combat malnutrition and enhance immune function.

Enhancing social inclusion through community engagement, support groups, and senior centers helps reduce isolation and depression. Public policies should focus on improving affordable housing, ensuring transportation services, and expanding healthcare coverage for low-income seniors. Education campaigns aimed at increasing health literacy can empower older adults to take proactive roles in their health management.

Conclusion

Poverty significantly compromises the health and well-being of older adults through myriad social determinants that limit access to healthcare, nutritious food, social support, and safe living environments. Addressing these disparities requires coordinated efforts among healthcare providers, social services, policymakers, and community organizations. Implementing comprehensive strategies can promote healthier aging, reduce health disparities, and improve the overall quality of life for this vulnerable population.

References

• Greene, L. M. (2020). Effects of Opinions on Personal Mental Illness Perception.
• Marmot, M. (2017). Social justice, epidemiology, and health inequalities. European Journal of Epidemiology, 32(7), 537–544.
• Shaw, M., & Davey Smith, G. (2019). The forgotten dimensions of health inequality. Social Science & Medicine, 220, 56-63.
• Stancliffe, R. (2021). Loneliness, social support, social isolation, and well-being among adults with disability. Disability and Health Journal, 14(1), 100965.
• McMaughan, D. J., Oloruntoba, O., & Smith, M. L. (2020). Socioeconomic status and access to healthcare: Interrelated drivers for healthy aging. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 231.
• Smith, M. L. (2020). Socioeconomic influences on health disparities and aging.
• Marmot, M. (2017). The health gap: The challenge of an unequal world. Bloomsbury Publishing.
• Greene, L. M. (2020). Effects of opinions on personal mental illness perception.
• Emerson, E., Fortune, N., Llewellyn, G., & Stancliffe, R. (2021). Loneliness, social support, social isolation, and well-being among working age adults. Disability and Health Journal, 14(1), 100965.
• McMaughan, D. J., Oloruntoba, O., & Smith, M. L. (2020). Socioeconomic status and access to healthcare: interrelated drivers for healthy aging.