Access to basic services in the community is also likely to influence the health of elders. For instance, having an accessible health care provider will enable elderly persons to obtain needed medical attention more easily (IOM, 2002). Similarly, ready access to a full service grocery store will provide better and more affordable access to food supplies. Proper nutrition is known to contribute to better health in the elderly (IOM, 2000). The presence of religious institutions in the community may provide social supports that have protective effects on health (Krause, 1998). .
