Behavioral Health
August 3, 2022

How GetSetUp is impacting the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

How GetSetUp is impacting the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)
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The social determinants of health (SDOH) are the conditions in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age that affect a wide range of health and quality-of-life outcomes. They are uneven and unfair. Different cohorts of society have huge disparities that are largely impacted by behaviors and environments.  

Improving people’s elected behaviors and their environments can help improve their health and wellness in the five main categories of SDOHs:

The World Health Organization’s research shows that social determinants of health can be more important than health care or lifestyle choices and may account for as much as 30-55% of a person’s health outcomes.

To promote healthy aging we need to think beyond traditional healthcare and consider broader factors that affect aging, especially our community and environment. We must pay attention to broader factors in order to address health needs as we age, especially our community and environment.

One of the leading causes of decline in older adults is social isolation and loneliness. Over 30% of the population is expected to be 60+ by 2030, and already ¼ of US adults 65+ are considered socially isolated. Social isolation doesn’t just lead to loneliness. It “can wreak havoc on an individual’s physical, mental, and cognitive health,” according to Louise C. Hawkley’s research on loneliness.  Social isolation has been linked with health problems like depression, poor sleep, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline, poor cardiovascular function, and impaired immunity.

This is particularly devastating for older adults. Many of them find themselves with diminishing social circles as they retire, lose partners, or move away from family and friends. A 2019 study “analyzed data from more than 580,000 adults and found that social isolation increases the risk of premature death from every cause for every race.”

By creating communities, people and organizations can address the social and community context. This is one measure to help not only reduce premature death but also increase health and happiness. Plus, social isolation doesn’t just affect the person who is alone. It also costs Medicare approximately $6.7 billion annually. By addressing loneliness, these billions could be used for other forms of care.

How GetSetUp Addresses the Social Determinants of Health

To improve aging and health, we must address all the social determinants of health in a holistic manner, not one at a time out of context. Many organizations look to address some of these factors, but few address them all. Combining all of them means that you can really solve greater social problems and help people stay healthier. GetSetUp is proud to be one of these companies pushing the industry forward with these considerations!

Health Care Access and Quality

We offer classes on fitness, nutrition, health, and well-being. Classes help learners understand how to manage aging ailments such as diabetes, stroke, and heart conditions. Learners have started eating healthier and losing weight thanks to classes on the platform. Learners cite improved balance, improved mood, and overall improved health thanks to access to the platform.

According to a GetSetUp Learner survey, 75% of respondents feel healthier because of GetSetUp with 94% saying GetSetUp classes helped them stay more mentally active and 77% said that GetSetUp classes helped them stay more physically active.

Education Access and Quality

We provide a one-stop shop for older adults to learn skills. Bite-size classes taught by older adult experts offer chances to ask questions live. Customized, high-quality, lifelong learning for older adults allows them to gain the confidence they need to thrive. Plus Learners go on to create and share their skills with others.

According to a GetSetUp Learner survey, 91% of older adults on GetSetUp had access to learning opportunities they wouldn’t normally have access to.

Neighborhood and Built Environment

We provide a safe virtual community. The community is accessible to those with mobility issues, in rural locations, or with safety concerns. We offer a growing global neighborhood for learners to explore the world with global peers. Our virtual community expands learners’ environment from their same four walls.

According to a GetSetUp Learner survey, 97% of respondents feel GetSetUp provides a safe virtual environment and 87.5% feel GetSetUp offers them an environment with like-minded people.

Social and Community Context

As people age their social circles tend to decrease. This can lead to social isolation and overall health decline. GetSetUp is helping to prevent that by connecting like-minded individuals through positive learning. We provide a positive social environment through our GetSetUp Club for learners to grow and develop with people similar to them. Friends have reconnected on our site after years, and others are making new friends through the platform.

According to a GetSetUp Learner survey, 82%of respondents said GetSetUp classes help them interact more with others socially and feel more connected, and 40% of respondents met new friends on GetSetUp.

Economic Stability

We offer reskilling classes to help create economic stability for our users. These help build confidence and empower Learners to excel at the tools needed in the working world.  Tech and job skills classes support older adults to find local opportunities, or sell their skills and services, using modern technology.

According to a GetSetUp Learner survey, 48% said GetSetUp has helped them learn a skill they can use for a job, their own business, or volunteer work.

Our business is improving the holistic health of an underserved market of older adults. We envision a world where every older adult has access to the critical elements of health and where we are all empowered to realize our own health destinies.

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