Health Literacy for American Seniors: An Overview

1
Health Literacy for American Seniors An
Overview 
2

• Elders should have a basic knowledge about
  their health condition, treatments and everything
  in between so that they can make appropriate
  health decisions.
•   Staying healthy is essential for seniors,
  especially for those who are above 70. Because an
  older adult is more prone to heart attack,
  stroke, dementia, diabetes, lung disease, chronic
  pain, some types of cancer and other health
  concerns. A healthy lifestyle and health literacy
  can lower these risks.
• According to CDC, limited health literacy is
  associated with increased health disparities,
  poor health outcomes, increased use of health
  care services, and several health care safety
  issues, including medical and medication errors.

3
What is the Reason for Limited Health Literacy
and How Does It Affect Elders Health?

• The primary reason behind this low health
  literacy rate is an elders attitude towards
  health and lifestyle. For example, many seniors
  think that it is no reason to care for their
  health as they have few years to live,
  discouraging them from trying new treatments and
  to eat or exercise properly. 
• Lack of physical exercise, medical care, and
  healthy diet leads to these elders losing the
  ability to use their body and mind. It can even
  shorten their lifespan.

4
Why America Should Be Serious About Health
Literacy?

• It is estimated that the US will have over 70
  million older persons ageing 65 or above by 2030,
  accounting the 20 of the total population. So,
  there is a need to support health literacy in the
  nation. 
• 80 percent of elders in the USA have at least one
  chronic medical condition, requiring them to
  locate a health care center and understand
  complex health information. These things can be
  complicated with people knowing nothing about
  hospital cultures and medicines. 
• Some older adults hide their problem as they have
  a fear of being embarrassed or ashamed. They
  hesitate to ask necessary health questions or
  misunderstand the physicians prescription or
  guidelines.
• This is why there is a strong need to emphasize
  health literacy in the nation so that our elders
  can get better medical assistance.

5
How to Promote Health Literacy among Our Senior
Loved Ones?

• Whether the seniors are at home or in a senior
  living communities, they should be
• encouraged to do the  following things to help
  them make better health decisions.
• Keeping up with the ongoing development in
  healthcare and the changing roles of healthcare
  providers.
• Choosing a primary care physician carefully.
• Having the basic knowledge about their medical
  condition.
• Choosing the right healthcare plan that gives
  access to different doctors and pays for their
  care.
• Clarifying all doubts and concerns about the
  quality of care, medicines, and signs while
  meeting the physician.

6
THANK YOU