Navigating the healthcare system is always challenging, but as we age it can become even more complex. With frequent doctor visits, new medications, and evolving health concerns, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by and underprepared for all the new information and changes. It’s essential for older adults to feel ownership in their medical care and one of the most effective ways to ensure this empowerment is through medical literacy.
What is medical literacy?
Medical, or health, literacy refers to a person’s ability to find, understand, and use health information and services so they can make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and others. In practice, health literacy may look like asking questions, researching medical terms, or deciding on specific treatment choices. Up to 75% of adults struggle with medical literacy, whether it is general knowledge, digital access, vaccination facts, or health systems navigation. Individuals with low health literacy are more likely to have chronic diseases and use emergency services more often. For seniors, medical literacy is particularly important because it plays a vital role in maintaining independence, improving outcomes, and enhancing overall quality of life.
While there are many benefits of medical literacy, here are three main examples with a corresponding advocacy tip to help you get the most from your healthcare.
1. Communication with providers. One of the key benefits of medical literacy is the ability to talk more effectively with healthcare providers. Seniors with strong medical literacy can ask relevant questions, understand treatment options, and feel more comfortable discussing their health concerns.
Advocacy Tip: Bring a prepared list of questions to each appointment. For example, asking about the side effects of a medication ensures that you’re informed and can let your doctor know your concerns. This practice helps guide the conversation and makes certain that your voice is heard.
2. Understanding medical information. Medical literacy allows seniors to make sense of complex health knowledge, whether it’s understanding a new diagnosis or following post-surgical care instructions. When seniors comprehend what their doctors tell them, they can make more informed decisions about their care.
Advocacy Tip: Take notes during appointments and ask for written summaries. Reviewing this information later helps clarify any uncertainties and gives you the tools to discuss alternatives. If possible, bring another person with you to the appointment to listen and take notes as well; they may catch something you miss.
3. Advocating for preferences. With a strong grasp of medical literacy, seniors can better ask for the outcomes they want—whether it’s choosing a less invasive treatment option or making long-term health plans. By understanding the risks and benefits of medical interventions, seniors can take a more active role in their care.
Advocacy Tip: Know your health goals; then speak up and challenge assumptions. When discussing treatment plans, ask about the pros and cons of each choice. Discuss how they align with your health and lifestyle choices.
Medical literacy goes beyond understanding of current health—it can also be used to advocate for future care. For example, advance care planning (ACP) allows individuals to outline their wishes for medical treatment in the event they cannot make their own decisions. Being literate in advance care planning empowers seniors to articulate their preferences for end-of-life care, ensuring their values guide their treatment. Additionally, health literacy helps in finding community resources, such as support groups or educational workshops. These resources can promote chronic disease management, mental health support, or simply reduce social isolation.
October is Health Literacy Month, a perfect time to focus on building and improving medical literacy skills. Whether it’s learning how to read medical forms, asking more questions at a doctor’s visit, or preparing an advance care plan, medical literacy is an essential tool in advocating for health. And, by mastering these skills, seniors can continue to enjoy a life of independence, with informed choices and better health outcomes.
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