Health literacy and the elderly

In 2007, approximately 11 million of the 38 million U.S. seniors aged 65 and older lacked the skills required to manage their health. This number will grow as the “baby boomers” age, causing the senior population to reach 71 million by 2030. Studies have shown that individuals with low levels of health literacy are more likely to be hospitalized and have worse disease outcomes than their health-literate counterparts. A patient's inability to effectively communicate with a healthcare provider decreases health care access, increases cost and compromises quality of care. Health literacy needs to be addressed by physicians and other healthcare providers in health literacy pilot programs, as well as by legislation at the federal level.