The challenges and solutions to improve health technology use among older adults
Keywords:
Age-Related Decline, Health Technology, Cognitive Function, Health Literacy, Older AdultsAbstract
This review analyzes the difficulties associated with enhancing health technology utilization among older adults, emphasizing the significant impact of health literacy. The aging population in the U.S. exhibits a notable disparity in health literacy, with a considerable segment showing limited ability to comprehend and apply health information. Age-related cognitive and physical decline, characterized by diminished comprehension, memory retention, and sensory impairments such as vision and hearing loss, substantially affects older adults' capacity to process health information and comply with medication regimens. This review examines the current literature regarding the interplay between health literacy, cognitive function, and health outcomes, emphasizing discrepancies in results attributed to differences in assessment methodologies and participant demographics. Some studies indicate a correlation between education level and health literacy, while others identify age and cognitive function as more significant predictors. The review examines the shortcomings of existing health literacy assessment tools, specifically their failure to account for age-related cognitive decline. The necessity for developing culturally sensitive assessment tools and interventions, including Embodied Conversational Agents (ECAs), is highlighted to improve health information accessibility and enhance health outcomes for older adults.
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