Poor health literacy increases mortality in elderly

A report in the July 23 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine says that Older adults who cannot read and understand basic health information appear to have higher mortality rates than those with adequate health literacy.

“Inadequate health literacy is associated with less knowledge of chronic disease and worse self-management skills for patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma and heart failure,” the authors write.

To decrease the association between health literacy and mortality, the study’s authors see the need for widespread improvements in health and health care communication.

Poor health literacy associated with increased mortality in the elderly [Via press release]

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