Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
A Nurse's Eye-View on Health Literacy in Older Adults
Lisa A Matthews1, Alisabeth L Shine, Leanne Currie
1Columbia University, New York, NY, USA;
Abstract:
Older adults are being asked to play a more active role in the management of their health, however low health literacy is pervasive in this population and is a major impediment to participation in healthcare activities. We sought to identify literacy-related challenges that older adults experience while managing their health. We interviewed 8 nurses who provided direct care to older adult populations. Thematic analysis was conducted exploring barriers, strategies and resources as they relate to health literacy in older adults. Three main themes were identified: literacy barriers, aging process and social resources. Problems associated with health literacy in this population were pervasive. Numeracy, a component of health literacy, was a central factor for a range of medication management problems. However, nurses reported that they were able to fashion solutions that enabled patients to comprehend quantitative information and act on it accordingly, resulting in better health management.
More Related Videos
06:52Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
11:21Methodology for Establishing a Community-Wide Life Laboratory for Capturing Unobtrusive and Continuous Remote Activity and Health Data
Published on: July 27, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Health Literacy
Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption
Current Trends in Nursing I
Drug Dosing: Geriatric Patients
Aims Of Nursing