Social Determinants of Health

Social determinants of health are also called conditions that influence health in a person's daily life. Food insecurity, loneliness and social isolation are social determinants of health. Food insecurity refers to limited or uncertain access to enough food to live a healthy, active life. Loneliness refers to the quality of relationships within a person's network, while social isolation refers to the quantity and structure of a person's social network.

What to look and listen for:
Friends may give you cues that they are experiencing social determinants of health.  Below are some of the circumstances and comments you should be paying special attention to.

Loneliness cues:

• "I don't want to hang around old people who have nothing better to do than compare health problems"
• They made you aware of an anxiety attach they had during an everyday activity
• They make you aware that they recently lost their spouse or a close family member and have been feeling sad lately
• They live alone or they have kids who are leaving the house
• They rarely leave their home
• They experience a major life event such as retirement, divorce or moving to a new home or area
• They have recently been diagnosed with a chronic condition
• They have a physical or mobility impairment
• They are a caregiver for a family member or friend
• They have a culture/language barrier
• They live in a rural area
• They live in an unsafe community
• They are experiencing financial issues

Food insecurity cues: 

• "I want to start meal planning and find healthier recipes, but its too expensive"
• "I want to lower my cholesterol and improve my diet, but i can't afford healthy foods"
• "I had to choose between food and medication this month, and i chose medication"
• "I have a difficult time grocery shopping and finding healthy foods that won't break my budget"
• They talk about skipping meals or having a difficult time making meals stretch