Relationship between the Health Literacy Characteristics of the Elderly and Lifestyle Habits

Abstract

  This study used a cross-sectional web survey to identify the characteristics of health literacy (HL) in the elderly and clarify its relationship with lifestyle habits. The survey, conducted in September 2021, covered 200 elderly people aged 65 and over living in one metropolitan area and three prefectures. It focused on their basic attributes, communicative and critical HL (CCHL), subjective health, mindset in daily life, and lifestyle, among others. The participants were divided into two groups based on their level of HL. The high HL group scored significantly higher on all CCHL items (p < 0.001). This group had subjective health (p = 0.008), life satisfaction (p = 0.002), rest (p = 0.009), nutritional balance (p < 0.001), walks and sports (p < 0.001). Participants in this group also scored higher in daily life mindset, food intake diversity (p < 0.001), and social support (p < 0.001). These findings show that elderly people with low HL need to be provided with information from the earliest stage. They also indicate that it may be necessary to implement projects, education, and classrooms based on these facts.