The drivers of health

Every aspect of our lives affects our health. To be healthy, we need reliable access to income, housing, fresh foods, transportation, education, and more.

Economic stability, which requires living wages and access to capital and educational opportunity, affects current and potential income. Income and stable employment also determine access to quality health care. Food security, safe and affordable housing, and educational opportunity all reduce stress, and reducing stress can also reduce risk for chronic disease and substance use disorders.

The design of a city powerfully shapes public health. Studies show that, to be healthy, people need safe and affordable housing, level sidewalks with curb cuts to promote walkability, and green spaces to exercise and socialize, including parks. Trees, for example, lower temperatures, reduce stress, and improve overall health. People also need access to modern and well-resourced public health and health care systems to maintain their health.

Social context and community connectedness also influence our health. When they have social supports, people make healthier decisions and feel confident that they can find the right help when they need it. Health outcomes are also better in communities where people can find meaning and connection in religious and community organizations and where access to elections and civic engagement is unobstructed.

The social determinants of health are the conditions and contexts in which people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, function, quality-of-life, and life expectancy outcomes and risks.