Inadequate Health Literacy among Elderly Immigrants: Characteristics, Contributing, and Service Utilization Factors

Abstract

Inadequate health literacy among elderly immigrants in the United States is an important social issue that needs immediate attention to decrease health disparities. This study examines the causes and consequences of inadequate health literacy among the elderly immigrants. Characteristics of the elderly immigrants are presented including their diverse backgrounds, physical health, mental health, and substance use. Barriers and contributing factors such as elderly immigrants' education and English proficiency, income and poverty levels, Medicare or insurance, immigration issues, and social support are also examined. The literature regarding heath literacy service options (print and online sources, health literacy training for caregivers, and church health literacy training) are reviewed. Findings from the reviewed literature indicate that immigrants' social network, particularly family members, play significant roles in their health care decision making and, thus, health literacy intervention and services should include elderly immigrants' social network.