Ellen Mullen1. 1. University of Texas-Tyler, Tyler, TX.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of low health literacy and discuss interventions to minimize its effect on the elderly population. CONCLUSION: Low health literacy combined with the physiological changes of aging put the elderly in a vulnerable position. It can negatively affect health behaviors and health outcomes, and can lead to economic burden, not just on the individual but on the society as a whole. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Clinicians need to recognize the indicators of low health literacy and utilize the available assessment tools. To improve clinician-patient communication, interventions must be tailored to the patients' literacy level.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the impact of low health literacy and discuss interventions to minimize its effect on the elderly population. CONCLUSION: Low health literacy combined with the physiological changes of aging put the elderly in a vulnerable position. It can negatively affect health behaviors and health outcomes, and can lead to economic burden, not just on the individual but on the society as a whole. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Clinicians need to recognize the indicators of low health literacy and utilize the available assessment tools. To improve clinician-patient communication, interventions must be tailored to the patients' literacy level.