'Care literacy' in super aging Japan

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated Japan's transition to community-based elder care.
• Existing care models require broader community understanding and involvement.
• Older adults need support systems that extend beyond direct care providers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose 'care literacy' as a novel concept for understanding community care.
• To define care literacy as the knowledge and capabilities for community inclusion of care recipients.
• To explore how care literacy can facilitate health and care solutions for aging populations.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of community-based care models.
• Definition and elaboration of the 'care literacy' construct.
• Discussion of dissemination strategies through media and grassroots activities.

Main Results:

• Care literacy is defined as the knowledge and capabilities enabling individuals needing care to live in the community.
• It facilitates the integration of older adults by involving the wider community.
• Care literacy promotes a holistic approach to aging, connecting health, care, and community.

Conclusions:

• Care literacy is essential for fostering inclusive communities that support aging populations.
• Dissemination through media and grassroots efforts can enhance societal care understanding.
• This concept provides a framework for strengthening community-based health and care services.