HEALTH LITERACY IN ELDERLY: GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH PROMOTION IN THE 21st CENTURY

Abstract

Thailand is entering a complete aged society. The elderly have become the largest group of people in society who use more medical services and acquire more chronic illnesses than other demographic segments.  This article aimed to analyze the barriers related to health literacy, both physical and mental, and to present guidelines for optimal health promotion of the elderly in the 21^st century. Three health literacy barriers were identified: 1) lack of ability to access digital technology for health learning, 2) physical deterioration that affected the learning, and 3) lack of family and social support. Guidelines for elderly health promotion consisted of three main approaches: 1) promote the ability to access and use digital technology, 2) select and use appropriate digital media and media literacy, and 3) encourage family participation in promoting health literacy by applying health promotion approaches with the concept of six fundamental health literacy development characteristics, which covers three levels of health literacy. Therefore, staff in a healthcare team should have a vital role in encouraging the elderly and their families to access technology and digital health media, which are reliable, up-to-date, and suitable, so the elderly will be able to take care of their health during daily life.