Health literacy and older adults: Findings from a national population‐based survey

Abstract

Issue AddressedWith an ageing population and growing complexity and fragmentation of health care systems, health literacy is increasingly important in managing health. This study investigated health literacy strengths and challenges reported by older Australians (people aged 65 or over) and identified how socio‐demographic and health factors related to their health literacy profiles.MethodsThe sample comprised 1578 individuals responding to the Australian Government's 2018 Health Literacy Survey, conducted between January and August. Regression modelling was used to estimate the association between each of nine domains of the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) and individual socio‐demographic and health characteristics. The model allowed for correlation between HLQ scores that was linked to unobserved characteristics of individuals.ResultsAcross the health literacy domains, few individuals received mean scores in the lowest score range. Key individual characteristics associated with higher health literacy were increasing age, English proficiency, higher education levels, better self‐assessed health and having certain chronic conditions (cancer, hypertension and arthritis).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that, among those aged 65 or over, being older or living with chronic illnesses were associated with greater confidence in engaging with providers, accessing information and navigating health services compared to individuals aged 65–69 and those older individuals without chronic illness. Lower health literacy was associated with psychological distress and low English proficiency.So What?Interventions to improve individual health literacy and organisation health literacy responsiveness to minimise complexity of the Australian health system are required. This may enhance uptake and use of health information and services for the underserviced members of the community.

Current status and influencing factors of health literacy among older adults in combined medical and nursing care institutions: a cross-sectional study

“…The results of this study showed that the health literacy level of older adults 80–89 years of age vs. those aged ≥90 years of age was lower than that of younger adults 60–69 years of age. Consistent with the findings of Fry et al ( 31 ), with age, the cognitive level of older adults gradually declined, and comprehension decreased, leading to a decrease in the ability of older adults to acquire and master health information and, thus, a decrease in health literacy. It is recommended that when health education is conducted for older adults of different ages, the distribution of brochures, the broadcasting of videos, and the use of a variety of methods in health lectures be chosen to disseminate health-related information in an easy-to-understand manner.…”

Osteoarthritis 2050 projections and its multiple mitigation challenges

“…What does appear to be worthy of some thought and attention, are some of the current insights extracted below, such as Fry et al 28 In this respect, Fry et al, 28 highlight the key fact of great import advancing older adults in that that whereas the ageing population is growing, the growing complexity and fragmentation of health care systems alone can confuse those who need the help, or fail to account for their limited ability to manage their health if they have challenges in understanding what they may need and why and how to seek help accordingly. They may also have challenges making health decisions such as choosing medications or following multipronged self-care instructions.…”

“…They may also have challenges making health decisions such as choosing medications or following multipronged self-care instructions. 29 As Fry et al, 28 specifically found the health literacy strengths and challenges reported by older Australians (people aged 65 or over) showed some with low health literacy scores to appear to exhibit higher levels of psychological distress. While this was not a prospective study, it was suggested attention to the prevailing health condition, or a combination of physical as well as mental health problems challenges being experienced was related to the ability of the older adult to employ health information and engage fruitfully and optimally with providers.…”

Editorial: Economic and social factors affecting the health of older adults

“…Health literacy and how we access health information are also important drivers in the prevention and management of health conditions in aging populations (5). Ma et al examined productive aging in 995 older Chinese adults in a newly urbanized community.…”