Inadequate health literacy disproportionately affects older adults in the United States, which can negatively impact wellness. Improving health literacy is increasingly critical as information, choices, and decisions about health care and public health have become more complex. To address this in 2021, Aurora Medical Center - Summit introduced many community-facing programs to connect with older adults living in our community.
One example includes hospital team member participation in the aging and disability resource center (ADRC) Senior Health Fair on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Aurora Medical Center-Summit hosted a booth at the health fair and interacted with 56 older adults and caregivers interested in learning more about how to identify and prevent elder abuse. The booth was interactive, and the post-it notes on the trifold board are what people listed as things they are grateful for.
Some additional examples of hospital programming targeting older adults within the community include:
- Providing Stepping On, a high-level, evidence-based program proven to reduce falls and build confidence in older people
- Hosting the AARP Smart Driving, a program focused on teaching driving techniques that make a difference in the elder population by keeping them active, engaged in their communities and their homes. Seniors will learn safe driving strategies and refresh their knowledge of the latest rules and hazards of the road
- Providing Advanced Directives classes for community members