Detrimental Effects of Unemployment on People’s Health Essay

Introduction

It has been acknowledged that unemployment negatively affects people’s health in a number of ways. The issue of the correlation between unemployment and health is discussed in a recent article in The Australian (The Australian 2013). According to this article, scientists have found evidence that unemployment leads to faster genetic aging.

It is necessary to note that unemployment is regarded as one of the social determinants of health discussed by Wilkinson and Marmot (2003). The report covers such social determinants as social gradient, stress, work, early life, addiction, food, social support, unemployment and social exclusion. The present paper will focus on two interconnected determinants such as unemployment and social exclusion.

Unemployment is linked to such health problems as anxiety, depression, heart attack, etc. (Wilkinson and Marmot 2003). At the same time, Wilkinson and Marmot (2003) state that unemployment often leads to social exclusion as jobless people cannot afford to participate in education and other activities other citizens benefit from.

The correlation between the two determinants

It is necessary to note that the two determinants mentioned above, i.e. unemployment and social exclusion, have become the most persistent in many countries due to recent financial crises. People in developed countries are also vulnerable to this issue. Thus, the article in question focuses on the research implemented in Finland (The Australian 2013).

According to the research findings, men who have been out of jobs for more than two years had shorter telomeres, parts of chromosomes that prevent DNA “from becoming frayed and degraded” (The Australian 2013, n.p.). Researchers claim that shorter telomeres are associated with faster aging and such aging-related diseases as diabetes and heart attack (The Australian 2013). Therefore, scientists provide solid evidence and it is clear that unemployment does negatively affect people’s health in a number of ways.

Kroll and Lampert (2011) also stress that unemployment has detrimental effects on people’s health. Notably, the researchers look into the correlation between unemployment and health issues in Germany, which is one of the richest European countries (Kroll and Lampert 2011).

This also suggests that people of developed countries are vulnerable to this problem. It is also important to add that Kroll and Lampert (2011) report about larger rate of emotional complaints rather than physical or functional ones. Likewise, Wilkinson and Marmot (2003) note that such emotional issues as anxiety and depression are the most persistent issues.

Admittedly, unemployment is closely connected with social exclusion as jobless people are deprived of participation in lots of social activities. There is also stigmatization as unemployed people are often overlooked. Clearly, unemployed people do not have money for proper training and health care services.

Moreover, jobless people are deprived of a variety of social interactions employed people usually have. This leads to the vicious circle as the lack of interactions and training deprives unemployed people of numerous opportunities. It is also necessary to note that the time spent in the social exclusion also plays an important role. Thus, the more time people spend social exclusion the more health problems they are likely to have.

Importantly, unemployed people are also deprived of psychological support as little attention is paid to this aspect. Kroll and Lampert (2011) stress that the government should ensure unemployed people have the necessary psychological support (apart from financial aid). The researchers claim this can help people cope with their problems and remain healthier to be able to become effective employees when they find jobs (Kroll & Lampert 2011). Hence, the government should address the issue of social exclusion.

Likewise, The Australian (2013) highlights scientists’ standpoint that “keeping” people employed “should be an essential part of general health promotion”. In other words, scientists agree that the government should address the issue of social exclusion. Wilkinson and Marmot (2003) also reveal certain policies which can help address the issues of unemployment and social exclusion.

Remarkably, the policies suggested are similar when it comes to unemployment and social exclusion. Researchers claim that the government should ensure that people have access to education and proper health care. The government should also make sure there are enough jobs for people. At the same time, the government should ensure that unemployed people can have social support and are not socially excluded.

Conclusion

On balance, it is possible to note that such social determinants as unemployment and social exclusion have detrimental effects on people’s health. The two problems are interconnected and are associated with similar health problems. Unemployed people often suffer from social exclusion, which leads to faster aging and such health issues as heart attacks, diabetes, anxiety, depression, etc. There is extensive research on the matter and the correlation has been identified.

Hence, it is important to address these social issues. Researchers agree that the government have to pay specific attention to these issues. The government should make sure that people are not socially excluded. Admittedly, the government should diminish unemployment rate. Though, while working on diminishing unemployment, the government should make sure unemployed people have the necessary social support to be able to cope with their issues.

Reference List

Kroll, LE & Lampert, T 2011, ‘Unemployment, social support and health problems‘, Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, vol. 108, no. 4, pp. 47-52. Web.

The Australian 2013, ‘DNA ageing linked to joblessness’. Web.

Wilkinson, R & Marmot, M 2003, The solid facts. Web.