Johanna Eronen|Leena Paakkari|Erja Portegijs|Milla Saajanaho|Taina Rantanen
Health literacy supports active aging
University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä|University of Jyväskylä
individual viewpoint active aging refers ability older persons depending goals functional capacity opportunities engage desired activities study investigated role health literacy active aging among persons differing number chronic conditions data collected 948 individuals 57 women aged 75 80 85 20172018 city jyvskyl central finland health literacy assessed 16question version european health literacy survey hlseuq16 active aging university jyvskyl active aging scale ujacas selfreported physiciandiagnosed chronic conditions health literacy r 040 number chronic conditions r 021 correlated active aging score linear regression models revealed health literacy stronger predictor chronic conditions active aging 018 p 0001 vs 006 p 0030 predictive value remained statistically significant adjustment cognitive capacity number depressive symptoms physical performance length education higher health literacy enable older persons including multiple chronic conditions maintain higher levels active aging people projected live chronic conditions older ages health literacy may help cope illnesses functional limitations lead fulfilling life crosssectional findings lay foundation future prospective experimental studies health literacy active aging