A Guide to Health Literacy for Older Adults
What Is Health Literacy?
Health literacy means being able to:
- Understand health information (like medication labels or test results)
- Ask the right questions during medical appointments
- Follow care instructions
- Make decisions that support your well-being
Improving health literacy can help you stay independent and manage your health conditions.
Why Health Literacy Matters
As you get older, you may have:
- More doctor visits
- More prescriptions
- Complex health decisions to make
The more you understand about your health, the better you can work with your care team and advocate for yourself.
Tips to Boost Your Health Literacy
Ask Questions — and Ask Again
- Write down questions before your visit.
- Don’t be afraid to say, “I didn’t understand that. Can you explain it another way?”
- Ask:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Bring a Buddy or Notebook
- Bring a trusted person (family member or friend) to help listen.
- Take notes or ask your provider if you can record the visit.
Speak Up About Language or Vision Needs
- Ask for larger print materials if you have vision issues.
- Request an interpreter if English isn’t your first language.
- Let your provider know if hearing, memory, or learning challenges affect how you understand information.
Use Only Trusted Sources
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for written handouts or websites they recommend.
Understand Your Medications
- Keep a current list of all medications, including why you take them.
- Make sure you know:
- When and how to take them
- What side effects to watch for
- What to do if you miss a dose
Use the Teach-Back Method
- After your provider gives instructions, try repeating it back in your own words.
- Ask, “Just to be sure I understand, can I tell you what I heard?”
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious about:
- Health misinformation on social media or forwarded emails
- Miracle cures or supplements not approved by your doctor
- Websites asking for personal or payment information without secure connections
Stay Involved in Your Health
- Keep a health journal with notes from appointments, test results, and symptoms.
- Use a calendar or app to track appointments and medications.
- Ask about senior-friendly resources, like patient navigators or Medicare counselors.
You Are Your Best Advocate
It’s never too late to build confidence in understanding your health. Speak up, ask questions, and use tools to stay informed and involved in your care.
This document was created with the assistance of AI. Any AI-generated content was reviewed by a Nurse Practitioner.