Social Ecological Model

There are many ways one’s health may become compromised. Physical injuries exist such as broken bones, short-term illnesses like the flu, and perhaps the most devastating of all: diagnosis of a chronic illness such as diabetes. In fact, “About 80% of older adults have at least one chronic disease, and 68% have at least two” (CDSM, 2015). The social ecological model, which aims to describe the interconnectedness of individuals all the way up to public policy, can help to clarify how one’s illness affects those around them. Each day, millions struggle to manage the symptoms of their disease; the role of their social network in helping them cope can likewise have adverse repercussions on their health and quality of life.
Chronic illnesses directly

These loved ones often endure hardships because of one’s chronic illness. In many instances, primary caregivers are friends/family. Caregivers, therefore, must give up valuable time to help the sick individual breathe, move around, take their medications, make difficult decisions, and more, all while trying to juggle their own life. In the article, A Conversation with my Mother, the author describes this duty well, “With the surgeon’s help, we explored the possible outcomes of the available procedures for [my mother’s] prolapse” (JAMA, 1994). The author’s time management and decision-making skills were put to the test when the fate of his older mother’s health rested on his shoulders. In addition, financial problems for the individual’s family may arise which in turn can cause their health to disintegrate. Another class reading discussed possible connections between food insecurity and chronic disease, “the dietary changes associated with food insecurity may persist over extended periods, because food insecure households often experience repeated food budget shortages […] adults living in food insecure households consume fewer weekly servings of fruits, vegetables, and diary” (Seligman, Laraia, & Kushel, 2009). With expensive medical costs, there is less money to provide nourishment to families. Chronically ill individuals require much assistance and support from family and friends, which can take a toll on their