Health Literacy and Functional Health Status Among Older Adults

Abstract

During the past decade, the magnitude and consequences of low health literacy on the health of individuals have received considerable attention, contributing a new perspective on the broader and more complicated relationship between education and health.^1-5 Limited health literacy has been linked to problems with the use of preventive services,⁶ delayed diagnoses,⁷ understanding of one’s medical condition,^8,9 adherence to medical instructions,¹⁰ and self-management skills.¹¹ Although estimates vary, low health literacy has been attributed to higher health care costs.¹²