Inclusion and Quality of Life for Older Adults: Nurses Advocating for Policy Change.

ABSTRACT

Social inclusion and social determinants of health (SDH) are key to healthy aging, and a failure to adequately address these influences can lead to negative health consequences such as the development and worsening of chronic conditions. Health policy is needed that prioritizes aging well in place as an "upstream" approach to address SDH and thereby improve health outcomes and promote quality of life. Globally, nurses are well positioned to advocate for such policy, given their commitment to fostering social inclusion and quality of life for older adults. This article presents a policy submission, made by nurses enrolled in a graduate health policy course, to Canada's Standing Committee on Human Resources and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, for the Committee's report on Advancing Inclusion of and Quality of Life for Seniors ().