Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes of individuals and communities, encompassing the processes and contexts in which people are born, live, and work, and which shape their health. Over the last decade, there has been increased recognition for the integral role of SDoH in health outcomes. SDoH in older persons include social isolation and loneliness, housing insecurity, financial insecurity, transportation insecurity, food insecurity, and ageism. Older individuals are more likely to suffer with social isolation and loneliness, and attempting to age in place without social or family support, creating an even greater vulnerability. The interconnectedness of the various determinants is even more evident in older persons. This chapter explores SDoH, their impact and interconnectivity, how to recognize them, and how we can as health care providers help combat them in our capacity as clinicians.