Social determinants of health influence aging care. Which statement best describes how to address them?

• A. They influence access to care, nutrition, and support, and can be addressed by connecting patients with community resources.
• B. They have no impact on health outcomes.
• C. They are solely about housing costs and taxes.
• D. They cannot be modified.

Answer: (A)

Focusing on social determinants of health in aging care means recognizing how factors such as income, transportation, housing stability, social support, and access to information shape an older adult’s ability to obtain care, eat well, and stay independent. The best statement captures that these determinants influence access to care, nutrition, and support, and that we address them by connecting patients with community resources. In practice, this means screening for social risks and coordinating with social workers or patient navigators to link individuals to programs like meal delivery, transportation to appointments, affordable housing options, caregiver support, and financial or legal counseling. These connections target real barriers that can prevent optimal care and outcomes, making care more effective and person-centered. It isn’t accurate to say these determinants have no impact on health outcomes, nor that they’re limited to housing costs and taxes, and many can be modified or mitigated through proactive interventions and resource linkage.