The communities in which we live, work, and play can greatly affect our health. Community is more than just a group of people living in a geographically defined area. Other components of community include the physical place and infrastructure in the area and the social networks and norms of the people living in that physical place. Often communities have different levels of resources. Access to healthcare can change drastically as we move from one community to another. Demographics and social factors can also affect the health of communities. Older communities may have higher rates of heart disease, while high minority communities may have lower incomes and an older housing stock. These elements are important in understanding and improving health at the community level.
