The ability to obtain, understand, and utilize basic health information and services is important for every adult and become increasingly important as we age. New research examines the correlates of health literacy in older adults and points toward opportunities for interventions.
Findings published in the Journal of Aging and Health suggest that obstacles to health literacy are not insurmountable. For instance, even though those with formal education were significantly more health literate than others, so too were people who engage in self-study, lifelong learning opportunities, utilize the library or Internet, consult reference books, and read health manuals, regardless of their educational background.
Previous research had not examined self-directed learning avenues in as much detail and left the mistaken impression that people without high levels of formal education were incapable of developing health literacy. Health promotion programs often focus on increasing health literacy, however, sometimes in ways that may not be very productive. For example, many programs designed for at-risk older adults (e.g., low income, education, and social status) provide too much health knowledge content upfront in a very condensed fashion. This can be overwhelming. Findings from this study suggest a more successful approach would be matching health content to a more gradual learning process that involves developing self-study skills first or builds off the self-study skills the participants bring with them into the program. Teaching older adults where to find information, how to use it, and what to do with it is just as important as the information itself.
Source: Wister, A., Malloy-Weir, L., Rootman, I., Desjardins, R. 2010. Lifelong educational practices and resources in enabling literacy among older adults.
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This is information health educators need to internalize to help the seniors we treat. Getting the information they need in an understandable format as well as referring them to appropriate self study avenues is a key to success! Thanks.
Giving seniors information about their health, well-being, aging, and disease intervention and treatment in a way that they can benefit is very important. Health providers and family members who assist the elder person can improve the way they give information by remembering these ideas. Thanks!