Social Capital And Its Impact On The Healthcare Sector

Therefore, psycho-social vulnerability and social isolation were significant factors which enhanced both mental and physical functional vulnerability leading to frail older adults. Thus, the fall in social support may affect psychological and physical vulnerability, while social vulnerability has a potential to predict an increase of frailty in the

Health has been influenced by many factors such as poor health status, disease risk factors, and limited access to healthcare. All these factors are due to social, economic and environmental disadvantages. According to the World Organization (WHO) (2015), “the social determinants of health are mostly responsible for health inequities, which is the unfair and avoidable differences in health status seen within and between countries”

Sociology: Some guiding principles Social exploration of health – Group & individual experiences – Unique, individual factors of health/illness BUT also shared, social  factors Medical knowledge, practice, & technology  – Often constructed as THE TRUTH, without reference to the historical  and cultural development of medicine ‐ sociology critiques what is  meant by TRUTH. Health is socially shaped – What is means to be healthy or ill shifts between generations and  within generations; across cultures and within cultures 3 2/17/2016 Identifying a sociological approach Key features of a sociological approach:   Social distribution and production of health patterns of health and illness eg gender, class, age Social construction of health defining and meanings of health and illness Social organisation of health social processes to manage health and illness eg power; which health services receive funding priority etc., ‘who does what and to whom’

The human species of the world are growing older, and existing longer. Research shows that the average life expectancy of humans living past the age of 80, since the 1800s to that of 2011, has increased by almost 10% per year, with women leading the way with a growth expectancy growing from that of 6.4% to that of 9.6%, surpassing their male counterpart whose life expectancy show an increase from 5.9% to that of 8.2%. As the human life expectancy increases, there also comes an increase concerns by individuals and government official alike in regards to elder care. This literature looks at what is being carried out by individuals as well as government officials to deal with the cost of living longer. We will examination approaches identified

Experience working in the field of health care lends insight to the growing needs of the older adult population, and the barriers which impede our capacity to meet them. As the Baby Boomer age is approaching older adulthood, the rise for financial,

The sociological approach to health and illness focuses on the social determinants of health and how this affects the health of society. It explores where we are on the socio-economic ladder and how this determines access to healthy food, a healthy lifestyle, education, income, accommodation, healthcare, transportation and good working conditions. This approach considers culture, the behaviour of individuals and the social structures we live in, with a belief that when treating health and illness if all these areas are considered and changes are made in conjunction with modern medicine then the health of society will be improved. “If the major determinants of health are social, so must be the remedies. Treating existing disease is urgent and will always receive high priority but should not be to the exclusion of taking action on the underlying social determinants of health” (Marmot, 2005: 1103).

The World Health Organisation posits that the social determinants of health (SDoH) are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and the wider set of forces and systems shaping the conditions of daily life which are in turn responsible for health inequities, the unequal and preventable disparities in health within population groups and between countries (WHO 2015). This broadly means that a person’s health can be negatively impacted or enhanced depending on their social status, educational attainment, level of income, living conditions and access to resources and social support networks.

For this reading reflection on Chapter eight from Berkman, was based on social capital, social cohesion, and health. By the introduction of the chapter, it goes over the definition of social capital and its theoretical pathways that links into health. According to the text, social capital is being defined as “resources that are accessed by individuals as a result of their membership of a network or a group” (Berkman 291). For the theoretical pathways of social capital to health, it goes over the three group-level mechanisms merit that is relevant to health outcomes is social contagion, informal social control, and collective efficacy, where they all benefit to their group such as a community (Berkman 293). However, there is a dark side to social

The social divisions which has brought about different social classes has created material inequalities leading to anxieties, conflicts and other negative emotions which have detrimental effects on individual’s health leading to an increased susceptibility to diseases. Access to employment, education healthcare is not the same these various social divisions in the society. The impact of further social divisions due to race, gender, marital status, or rural location to a greater extent determines the impact on daily life of individuals in these divisions.

In 2006, a study by Skinner and Rosenberg, as cited in Bascu et al., (2012) suggested that Canadian government hasn’t been able to address the challenges faced by rural seniors. So as more elderly people move to these locales, there are concerns about whether the communities can handle the needs of this vulnerable populace. The “age-friendliness” concept initiated by World Health Organization and Public Health of Canada also highlight the needs of the older people in rural communities given the high number of older people rural areas in a disadvantaged state (Spina & Menec, 2015). Thus, specific social situations exist for this demographic which will be discussed herein with a focus on factors such as, physical environment, accessibility to resources social isolation and health

The advances in medicine have greatly benefitted the world at large. This can be seen largely in both the mortality and longevity rate which have dramatically increased as a result of medical advances. No other demographics have profited from these medical breakthrough than the senior citizen or the elderly particularly in the United States. The National Center on Elder Abuse which is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services notes by 2050, people of the ages between 65 and older will make up 20 percent of the total population of the United States, which represent the largest growing segment of the population (NCEA, 2010). With the longevity of this population comes also the rising issue of abuse,

As part of the interview for the position, the director of human resources asked you this question: "Of all the theories related to health education/promotion you studied in your college course(s), which one do you think will have the greatest application to your work here at (your practicum setting)?" Defend your response.

The ability to support the older people keep up social ties with the use of technical devices such as telephone is vital, and there is indication that older people may benefit from the use of internet as a befriending opportunity (Skingley, 2013). According to Age UK (2009), there is no evidence to effectiveness of services aimed at reducing loneliness and social isolation among older people, but concludes that there is a need to focus on befriending services for older people, in particular the effectiveness of such services in terms of their impact on older people’s quality of life and their overall preventive value.

Studies of mortality, which included social relationships as a metric, determined social relationships have a significant causal relationship to mortality. (Holt-Lunstad, Smith & Layton, 2010) More studies have been done on social relationships however; the mechanisms of how social relationships affect our health are still unclear. (2010) Relationships and their effect on health status continue to be an important area of research and analysis. Social relationships are a determinant which can be addressed at a community level. One key principle outlined by the Commission of European Communities report was not just looking at mortality rates, but also focusing on the quality of life during the

One of the greatest challenges of the twenty first century will be the tremendous increase in the number of older adults throughout the world. Elderly people are the most rapidly increasing age group in Canada. In 2000 there was about 3.8 million Canadians were 65 years older. Statistics of Canada projects that by 2021, it will get doubled (Hick S., 2010, p.270). It is sure that this demographic trend will affect most part of our society, especially the health care needs and the delivery of health services. There will be a huge increase in the issues that affect the older Canadians. It is important that future health care professionals especially the social Service workers should be prepared to meet the needs of the increasing aging population across the globe. This paper examines the main problems faced by senior population in Canada, the different social work theories related to ageism and the different roles, values, knowledge and responsibilities needed for gerontological social work practice.