Elements of Healthy Aging: Health Literacy

May 7

Health literacy is the last aspect of the elements of healthy aging that we are going to discuss. The Institute of Medicine defines health literacy as “the degree to which individuals can obtain, process, and understand the basic information and services they need to make appropriate health decisions.” Studies show that health literacy is a strong predictor of health status. If one is unable to understand instructions and information properly, it is likely they will not receive the care they need and will have worse outcomes. Low health literacy is more prevalent among older adults. Some of this can be attributed to things like poor hearing or eyesight. Physicians can sometimes contribute to this problem by not speaking in clear terms or language that a non-medical person can understand.How can we be sure to get the most out of our medical visits and ensure we leave with the best information? Here are some tips:

Be sure to bring items like hearing aids and eyeglasses.
Show up prepared. Have a list of questions you would like to ask your physician.
Think about bringing someone with you who might be able to take notes while you speak with your physician.
Repeat back to your physician what is said to be sure that you clearly understand.
If there is a required action, practice it with your physician or nurse there to ensure it is being done correctly.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If there is something you don’t understand, ask that it be explained again, perhaps in a different way.
Ask for written instructions/information that you can take home in case you need to refer to it later.

Amelia Crotwell, JD

Amelia Crotwell, founder and managing partner at Elder Law of East Tennessee, has guided families through long-term care and special needs challenges for nearly two decades. Specializing in Life Care Planning and special needs trusts, Amelia also collaborates across all areas of elder law, including wills, trusts, Medicare, Medicaid, probate, and veterans benefits planning. Certified as an Elder Law Attorney since 2011, she is president-elect of the Life Care Planning Law Firms Association and co-chair of their strategic planning committee. Amelia is deeply involved in the Special Needs Alliance and a prominent member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She played a key role in founding the Tennessee chapter of NAELA, serving as its first president. A member of the Tennessee Bar Association and past chair of its Elder Law Section Executive Council, Amelia also dedicates time to pro bono work and community education. She earned her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Tennessee College of Law and teaches Elder Law there as an adjunct professor since 2018.