Social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, live, work, and age. These conditions shape our health and well-being, and they can have a significant impact on the health of older adults.

Poverty is one of the most important SDOH that affects the health of older adults. People living in poverty are more likely to experience a number of health problems, including:

• Chronic diseases: People living in poverty are more likely to have chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
• Mental health problems: People living in poverty are more likely to experience mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety.
• Injuries: People living in poverty are more likely to experience injuries, such as falls and accidents.
• Early death: People living in poverty are more likely to die prematurely.

There are a number of reasons why poverty can have such a negative impact on health. People living in poverty are more likely to have:

• Limited access to healthcare: People living in poverty are more likely to have no health insurance or to be underinsured. This means that they may not be able to afford to see a doctor when they need to, or they may not be able to afford the medications they need.
• Unhealthy living conditions: People living in poverty are more likely to live in substandard housing, which can lead to exposure to mold, lead, and other toxins. They are also more likely to live in areas with high crime rates, which can increase their risk of injury.
• Stress: People living in poverty are more likely to experience stress, which can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and depression.

There are a number of things that can be done to improve the health of older adults living in poverty. These include:

• Expanding access to healthcare: This includes providing more affordable health insurance options and making sure that people have access to the medications they need.
• Improving living conditions: This includes providing affordable housing and making sure that people have access to safe and healthy environments.
• Reducing stress: This can be done through a number of interventions, such as stress management classes and support groups.

By addressing the social determinants of health, we can improve the health of older adults living in poverty and help them to live longer, healthier lives.