Blog

September is Healthy Aging Month! It’s a time to explore how our bodies and minds change how we age and how healthy lifestyle changes can make the aging journey easier. “Healthy Aging” can be a subjective term. Today on the blog we’re going to explore what professionals refer to as social determinants of health. These are factors, outside of our general health, that can affect whether we are able to live our best lives. The social determinants of health can be broken down into the following five categories: 

1. Economic Stability 

• Questions: 
• • Do you have enough money to buy groceries? 
  • Do you have enough money to afford your prescriptions and medical care? 
  • Are you able to pay your utility bills, or are you in danger of your utilities being shut off? 
• Resources 
  • Blog post: How to Save Money on Prescription Medications 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Emergency Food Assistance 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Emergency Utilities Assistance 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Food Assistance Resources 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Prescription Assistance Resources 

2. Education Access & Quality 

• This category is usually aimed at school-age children and whether they have access to a quality school and have the resources needed to help them graduate high school. Washtenaw County is lucky to have a variety of educational opportunities for older adults who want to be lifelong learners. 
• Resources 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Adult Education 

3. Health Care Access & Quality 

• Questions: 
  • Do you have health care coverage? 
  • Do you have dental insurance? 
  • Do you have vision insurance? 
  • Do you have a primary care provider? 
  • Can you access your medical records easily? 
  • Are you able to get the treatments you need for your medical/chronic condition(s)? 
• Resources 
  • Blog post: Dental Resources for the Uninsured  
  • Senior Resource Connect: Dental Care 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Geriatric Health Assessment 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Medical Equipment 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Vision Care 

4. Neighborhood & Built Environment 

• Questions: 
  • Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? 
  • Do you feel safe in your home? 
  • Do you have reliable access to the internet? 
  • Do you have access to a grocery store in your neighborhood? 
  • Are there sidewalks in your neighborhood? Are they maintained/safe? 
  • Does your home have the necessary accessibility upgrades needed to accommodate your mobility? 
• Resources 
  • Blog post: Home Repair Programs Primer 
  • Blog post: Where to find low-cost internet/phones/computers  
  • Senior Resource Connect: Home Modification 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Internet 
  • Walkscore.com– type in your address to see how “walkable” your neighborhood is (how easy it is to do errands without a car, how close you are to parks and other areas of interest, etc.).  

5. Social & Community Context 

• Questions: 
  • Do you have family/friends who support you? 
  • Do you belong to social groups (e.g., religious groups, volunteer groups, a book club, etc.)? 
  • Do you have someone you can go to when you’re upset or need support? 
  • Do you feel connected with others more often than you feel lonely? 
  • Do you have a friend/family member/neighbor you can rely on if you need extra help (e.g., if you’re coming home from the hospital)? 
• Resources 
  • Blog post: Are Older Adults Using Social Media? 
  • Blog post: Staying Social As We Age 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Friendly Caller Programs 
  • Senior Resource Connect: Senior Centers 

Don’t forget to check the Senior Resource Connect online senior resource directory for fitness and recreation resources in your community.