The Relationship between Successful Aging and Health Literacy in Older Adults

Abstract

Purpose. This study aims to determine the relationship between successful aging and health literacy in older adults. Design and Methods. This cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted between April and September 2021. The sample of the study comprised 379 voluntary older adults aged 65 and above who visited a health center. A descriptive information form, the adult health literacy scale, and the successful aging scale were used for data collection. Results. The levels of health literacy were low, whereas the perceptions of successful aging were high. Besides, compared to female participants, the levels of health literacy and the perceptions of successful aging were higher in male participants. Age was negatively correlated with the level of health literacy. Furthermore, health literacy levels and successful aging perceptions of married participants were high. Finally, as the education levels increased, so did the health literacy level and successful aging perceptions. Practice Implications. Health policies to promote successful aging and health literacy in adults may be developed. Besides, intervention plans to improve the health literacy levels of different age groups may be prepared. Further studies that use culture-specific scales may be conducted.