Impact of Social Inequality on the Health of Elderly - Assignment Example

Most of the elderly population depends on social security as their major source of income (U.S. General Accounting Office, 2001). Therefore, limited financial resources may force them to join the workforce, where they frequently face discrimination because of their age. This discrimination affects the elderly by contributing to reduced financial security, poor health outcomes, social isolation, lower self-esteem, and poor quality of life (United States Administration on Aging, 2000). When age-related discrimination is combined with other prejudices like sexism, racism, and biases against the disabled, the health and well-being of the elderly are further compromised. Once the elderly leave the workforce, they may face poverty and elder abuse, both of which have significant health effects.

Limited financial resources restrict the access of the elderly to much-needed medical care, as nearly 65% of them suffer from arthritis and hypertension – diseases that require substantial medication costs and ongoing physician supervision (Rowland & Lyons, 1996). Social inequality has also been found to restrict access to information about health risks among the elderly population. Most of the poor elderly lack private insurance and depend on Medicare for assistance with their medical bills. However, gaps in the scope of Medicare benefits and financial obligations for coverage can result in heavy financial burdens (Rowland & Lyons, 1996). Having health insurance coverage through Medicaid also does not guarantee access to health care services, as providers are increasingly opting out of government healthcare plans like Medicare and Medicaid due to declining reimbursements, longer delays in payments, and increased operating expenses (Smith, 2012). Recent studies have revealed that the most common barrier for the elderly population to access medical care is the doctor’s lack of responsiveness to patient concerns. Race is no longer considered a barrier to accessing health care after adjusting for age, gender, income, and insurance (Fitzpatrick, Powe, Cooper, Ives & Robbins, 2004). Other factors that affect access to health care services include increased cost of care, lack of transportation, and street safety.

Educational level is also a major factor in determining the health of the elderly. Elderly individuals with lower educational levels are less physically active and have poorer diets that lack fruits, legumes, and vegetables (Barros, Francisco, Lima & Cesar, 2011). This can significantly compromise their health. They also have a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, back pain, and visual impairment compared to elderly individuals with more education (Barros, Francisco, Lima & Cesar, 2011). Less-educated elderly have also been found to make fewer dental appointments and use glasses and contact lenses to a lesser extent. Lack of availing themselves of these much-needed health care services significantly affects the overall health and well-being of the elderly. Studies have also revealed that the rate of alcohol drinking is higher among elderly individuals with a lower degree of education (Barros, Francisco, Lima & Cesar, 2011). Therefore, poor health choices made as a result of limited education affect the overall health of the elderly.

Limitations in financial resources among the elderly result in their being exposed to high-risk environments that are not conducive to good health and longevity. This includes poor housing conditions, occupational hazards, and living in neighborhoods that are highly polluted and/or that have high rates of crime. Nearly 8% of the elderly population (mostly women living alone, renters, or very old individuals) live in housing as defined by the federal government as physically deficient (University of Southern California, 2005). Low income is the primary reason that elderly people, especially those living in rural areas, are not able to maintain their homes. The first visible signs include peeling paint and an untidy yard. However, inside their homes, they typically have issues of leaking roofs, breakdown of toilets or heaters, faulty wiring, and cracks in the foundations – all of which result in unsanitary and uncomfortable living situations that can have serious effects on the health and safety of the elderly (University of Southern California, 2005). For example, if heaters are not functioning during the winter, elderly people can suffer from hypothermia – a condition in which the body temperature drops significantly. This can result in loss of consciousness and even death.