Reading Between the Lines: Why Health Literacy is the Key to Aging in Place

Information Is Power

October is Health Literacy Month, a perfect reminder that understanding your health is just as important as any prescription or treatment plan. For older adults, health literacy goes far beyond reading instructions—it’s about asking the right questions, using clear information to make good decisions, and confidently managing everyday health routines.

At Limitless Living Solutions, we see every day how health literacy shapes safety, independence, and quality of life. When older adults understand their medications, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and navigate a complex medical system, they can live safely, comfortably, and meaningfully at home.

The Building Blocks of Health Literacy for Older Adults

Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions. As we age, changes in memory, hearing, vision, and energy can make managing health more challenging—and more important than ever.

Occupational therapists view successful health management as influenced by three key factors:

• The person: strengths, skills, and individual needs

• The environment: home, community, and healthcare system

• The activity: daily tasks and routines that support health and independence

Together, these factors shape how effectively someone can manage their health and continue to age safely and confidently at home.

Below are the key health literacy skills for seniors:

💊 Understanding Medications

Small mistakes with prescriptions can have serious consequences.

Tasks: Read labels, measure doses accurately, track timing

Skills needed: Attention, memory, basic math

Supports that help: Large-print labels, easy-to-open bottles, pill organizers, pharmacist guidance

Tip: Keep a daily medication chart to track doses and timing—this simple habit prevents errors.

🗣 Communicating with Healthcare Providers

Clear communication is key to getting the care you need.

Tasks: Describe symptoms, ask questions, make informed treatment decisions

Skills needed: Confidence, self-advocacy

Supports that help: Providers who listen, use plain language, and encourage questions

Pro Tip: Before appointments, write down three questions:

1. What is my main problem?

2. What do I need to do?

3. Why is it important?

📋 Managing Chronic Conditions

Understanding your condition helps prevent complications and hospital visits.

Tasks: Follow treatment plans, monitor symptoms, maintain routines

Skills needed: Motivation, understanding complex instructions

Supports that help: Caregivers, home modifications, and written step-by-step plans

💻 Digital and Media Literacy

Technology can make healthcare more convenient—but only if you know how to use it.

Tasks: Log into patient portals, attend telehealth visits, use medication reminder apps

Skills needed: Comfort with technology, curiosity to learn

Supports that help: User-friendly devices, clear instructions, patient training

Tip: Verify online health information through trusted sources like CDC or NIH to avoid misinformation.

🔢 Health-Related Math Skills

Numbers are part of everyday health—from checking blood pressure to calculating doses.

Tasks: Calculate doses, track blood sugar, budget for care

Skills needed: Basic math, focus, memory, confidence

Supports that help: Visual reminders, pre-measured tools, simple printed guides

📂 Navigating the Healthcare System

Even experienced patients can get lost in forms, bills, and appointments.

Tasks: Schedule appointments, complete forms, understand insurance coverage

Skills needed: Organization, persistence

Supports that help: Care coordinators, patient advocates, accessible paperwork

Tip: Keep a personal medical folder with notes, test results, and medication lists for quick reference.

🏃‍♂️ Self-Care and Wellness Skills

Health literacy isn’t just about doctors—it’s about daily habits that keep you well.

Tasks: Stay active, eat well, manage stress, maintain mental health

Skills needed: Motivation, problem-solving, self-awareness, ability to maintain routines

Supports that help: Social engagement, safe home environment, community programs for fitness and fall prevention

Tip: Link healthy habits to daily routines—for example, take medication after brushing your teeth or take a walk after breakfast.

When Health Literacy Is Low: The Hidden Consequences

Low health literacy can quietly undermine independence. Without a clear understanding of their health, seniors may experience:

• Medication errors that can lead to dangerous side effects or hospital readmissions.

• Worsening chronic conditions, creating complications that make daily life harder.

• Delayed or avoided care due to embarrassment, confusion, or mistrust.

• Loss of independence, leaving families to fill caregiving roles and manage preventable crises.

These consequences aren’t inevitable. With the right tools and guidance, seniors can build confidence and take back control of their health.

Barriers That Make Health Literacy Harder

Several personal and systemic factors can make managing health information challenging:

• Cognitive changes: Memory decline or slower processing.

• Sensory changes: Hearing or vision loss.

• Fear or embarrassment: Avoiding questions or admitting confusion.

• Limited digital skills: Frustration with online systems and automated phone menus.

• Lack of awareness or support: Not knowing where to turn for help.

• Ageism or professional bias: When providers underestimate an older adult’s ability to understand or make decisions.

Recognizing these barriers is the first step toward finding solutions that match each person’s abilities and environment while honoring their right to be heard.

How to Strengthen Health Literacy: Practical Tips for Older Adults

Occupational therapy helps people do what matters most—safely, confidently, and independently—but there are also many other ways seniors can boost health literacy.

OT-Informed Strategies

• Simplify your environment: Use pill organizers, large-print labels, and clear written reminders.

• Stay organized: Use calendars, checklists, alarms, or voice-activated reminders.

• Build communication skills: Practice asking questions, repeat instructions back, and take notes.

• Adapt for cognition or sensory needs: Use hearing aids, magnifiers, or visual cue cards.

• Leverage support: Involve family, caregivers, or professionals to reinforce key information.

• Grow digital confidence: Start small with patient portals, telehealth visits, or health apps.

Other Ways to Improve Health Literacy

• Attend workshops or community programs: Senior centers, libraries, and health organizations often offer helpful sessions.

• Use reliable resources: Stick to trusted sources like the CDC, NIH, or local health departments.

• Practice reading labels and forms: Review medication guides, nutrition labels, and medical paperwork with support.

• Ask for plain-language explanations: Request simpler terms or written summaries when needed.

• Join peer or support groups: Sharing experiences with others builds understanding and confidence.

• Review health information regularly: Keep medication lists updated, track test results, and review care plans.

Even small changes, practiced consistently, can transform daily health management—reducing errors, increasing confidence, and supporting independence.

Conclusion: Turning Information Into Independence

Strong health literacy doesn’t happen overnight, but every step counts. Whether it’s asking one more question, carefully reading instructions, or learning to use a new tool, older adults can take charge of their health with the right supports—focusing on the person, the environment, and the activities that matter most.

This Health Literacy Month, take action to protect your independence. If you’re unsure where to start, the occupational therapy team at Limitless Living Solutions can help. We provide personalized home safety assessments, chronic condition management strategies, and practical guidance to simplify daily health routines—all designed to help you stay confident, safe, and independent at home.

Turn information into confidence—and confidence into independence.