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Introduction to Social Issues in Older Adults

ByDaniel B. Kaplan, PhD, LICSW, Adelphi University School of Social Work
Reviewed ByMichael R. Wasserman, MD, California Association of Long Term Care Medicine
Reviewed/Revised Modified Jan 2025
v1134982
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Social issues influence an older adult’s risk and experience of illness as well as a health care professional's ability to deliver timely and appropriate care.

A social history helps members of the interdisciplinary team evaluate care needs and social supports. It should include questions about the following social determinants of health:

  • Family and marital or companion status

  • Living arrangements

  • Social network (number and quality of routine social contacts)

  • Work history

  • Education

  • Typical daily activities (eg, how meals are prepared, what activities add meaning to life, where problems may be occurring)

  • Need for, availability, and ability of caregivers (to help plan and/or provide care)

  • History of trauma, losses, and coping strengths

  • History of substance use and legal issues

  • Patients’ own caregiving responsibilities (which may make patients reluctant to report their own symptoms lest their symptoms or any resulting interventions interfere with their caregiving)

  • Worries or stressors in daily life

  • Environmental concerns regarding home, neighborhood, transportation, or access to goods and services

  • Financial status

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