Health Literacy and Care of the Older Adult

Canadian adults who are age 65 or older are more likely to struggle with low health literacy levels. These struggles are even greater when older adults face chronic health conditions, such as a cancer diagnosis. Low health literacy levels directly affect a person’s ability to access, comprehend and evaluate medical information in a way that supports them in making informed healthcare decisions and achieving optimal health outcomes. Understanding the impact of health literacy on health outcomes for older adults receiving cancer care is vital. The health care team can positively impact health outcomes by recognizing low health literacy early and implementing methods of care that will take into account the needs of this population.

Nursing educators at BC Cancer have recognized this need and led the way to change by developing a learning module for health care staff that focuses on Health Literacy and Care of Older Adults in Oncology. At the completion of the module the learner will: understand why health literacy is important when caring for older adults in cancer care; learn about the unique challenges faced by older adults in cancer care; and learn strategies to help older adults during cancer care. This module is now available on the learning hub titled: Health Literacy and Care of the Older Adult.