Which factor affects health outcomes in older adults?

• A. Genetic predisposition
• B. Social determinants of health
• C. Age
• D. Gender

Answer: (B)

Social determinants of health are the main drivers of health outcomes in older adults. The way a person lives—their income, housing stability, education, access to nutritious food, transportation, social support, and access to healthcare—shapes what health looks like over time. These upstream factors influence whether chronic diseases are prevented, detected early, and managed effectively, how well someone can maintain independence and function, and the likelihood of hospitalizations or falls. Because these conditions and resources vary widely among individuals, they explain much of the differences seen in health outcomes beyond biology alone. Genetics can predispose to certain conditions, but it doesn’t account for the broad, population-wide variation in health that arises from everyday living circumstances. Age and gender contribute, but they are less modifiable and don’t capture the systemic factors that most strongly influence health in later life.