Social Determinants of Health: Economic Stability, Food Access,
Physical Activity, and Mental Health
Introduction
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in which individuals are born, grow,
live, work, and age, and they are crucial in shaping the health and well-being of individuals and
communities. Among these, economic stability plays a fundamental role in determining access to
essential resources like nutritious food, physical activity, and healthcare. The high cost of living,
particularly in areas like Bermuda, creates significant barriers to healthy living for many
households, limiting access to nutritious foods, physical activity, and mental health resources.
The rising cost of living forces individuals and families to make tough choices about where they
allocate their limited financial resources, often resulting in poor dietary habits, inadequate
exercise, and increased stress. This paper will explore the effects of economic stability on access
to healthy food, physical activity, mental health, and healthcare, particularly in high-cost living
environments like Bermuda.
1. Economic Stability and Its Impact on Food Access
The ability to afford nutritious food is one of the most significant health determinants. In
Bermuda, where the cost of living is notably high, economic instability severely limits many
families' ability to access healthy food options. A recent article from the Royal Gazette
highlighted how rising living costs have forced many residents to cut back on food spending,
with almost one-third of residents buying less food and almost a fifth opting for less healthy
options due to rising prices (McWhirter, 2022). When households experience financial
instability, they are often compelled to prioritize less expensive and more accessible food items,
which are typically less nutritious.
1.1. The Impact of Processed Foods on Health
The result of this limited access to healthy food options is an increased reliance on cheaper,
processed foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. This dietary pattern
contributes to a range of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions,
and hypertension. When low-income families face financial constraints, they may have to
sacrifice the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, in favor of processed
and less nutritious food choices.
As highlighted by the Royal Gazette, some communities in Bermuda, particularly low-income
or high-cost-of-living neighborhoods, lack access to affordable and nutritious food sources,
creating a food desert effect where fresh produce and healthy dietary options are scarce. Instead,
families are left to rely on processed foods that are calorie-dense but nutrient-poor, which
significantly impacts their health outcomes (Yammine & Atieh, 2023). This issue is not isolated
to Bermuda alone, but reflects a global pattern where economic constraints create barriers to
healthy eating.
Physical Activity, and Mental Health
Introduction
Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are the conditions in which individuals are born, grow,
live, work, and age, and they are crucial in shaping the health and well-being of individuals and
communities. Among these, economic stability plays a fundamental role in determining access to
essential resources like nutritious food, physical activity, and healthcare. The high cost of living,
particularly in areas like Bermuda, creates significant barriers to healthy living for many
households, limiting access to nutritious foods, physical activity, and mental health resources.
The rising cost of living forces individuals and families to make tough choices about where they
allocate their limited financial resources, often resulting in poor dietary habits, inadequate
exercise, and increased stress. This paper will explore the effects of economic stability on access
to healthy food, physical activity, mental health, and healthcare, particularly in high-cost living
environments like Bermuda.
1. Economic Stability and Its Impact on Food Access
The ability to afford nutritious food is one of the most significant health determinants. In
Bermuda, where the cost of living is notably high, economic instability severely limits many
families' ability to access healthy food options. A recent article from the Royal Gazette
highlighted how rising living costs have forced many residents to cut back on food spending,
with almost one-third of residents buying less food and almost a fifth opting for less healthy
options due to rising prices (McWhirter, 2022). When households experience financial
instability, they are often compelled to prioritize less expensive and more accessible food items,
which are typically less nutritious.
1.1. The Impact of Processed Foods on Health
The result of this limited access to healthy food options is an increased reliance on cheaper,
processed foods, which are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. This dietary pattern
contributes to a range of chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions,
and hypertension. When low-income families face financial constraints, they may have to
sacrifice the purchase of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, in favor of processed
and less nutritious food choices.
As highlighted by the Royal Gazette, some communities in Bermuda, particularly low-income
or high-cost-of-living neighborhoods, lack access to affordable and nutritious food sources,
creating a food desert effect where fresh produce and healthy dietary options are scarce. Instead,
families are left to rely on processed foods that are calorie-dense but nutrient-poor, which
significantly impacts their health outcomes (Yammine & Atieh, 2023). This issue is not isolated
to Bermuda alone, but reflects a global pattern where economic constraints create barriers to
healthy eating.
