Title: Digital literacy in health and contemporary access to health for the elderly and their caregivers
Abstract:
Digital Health Literacy, or eHealth Literacy (eHL), refers to the application of the concept of Health Literacy (HL) within the digital context. It encompasses individuals’ ability to search for, comprehend, and use health information available on digital platforms to make informed decisions regarding their well-being. With the increasing digitalization of healthcare services, digital health has become essential for strengthening the autonomy of older adults, incorporating the use of mobile technologies, telemedicine, and monitoring applications to optimize both access to and the quality of care. The advancement of digital technologies—through initiatives such as telemonitoring, health management applications, and virtual assistants—can both facilitate and challenge individuals’ understanding of medical information, directly influencing adherence to health recommendations and prescribed treatments. As such, eHL is regarded as a social determinant of health, as low levels of digital health literacy may result in barriers to accessing healthcare services, poor treatment adherence, and worse clinical outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations. In the current context, older adults represent one of the most vulnerable groups due to challenges such as financial and social constraints, lower educational levels, and a high prevalence of comorbidities associated with complex therapeutic regimens. Therefore, this presentation will address the concept of Digital Health Literacy in the context of older adults and their caregivers, highlighting the opportunities and challenges in accessing healthcare for this age group today. The goal is to foster reflection on reducing inequalities in access to care, thereby ensuring greater autonomy and improved quality of life for this population.
