title: Lifelong educational practices and resources in enabling health literacy among older adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The goal of this study is to examine the role of lifelong educational and learning practices and resources in enabling health literacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A subsample of older adults (n = 2,979) derived from the 2003 seven country IALSS (Canadian survey) was used. An expanded Andersen-Newman model that included lifelong learning enabling factors was used to develop predictors of health literacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The formal education, lifelong and lifewide learning enabling factors exhibited the most robust associations with health literacy. These included education level; self-study in the form of reading manuals, reference books and journals; computer/Internet use, use of the library; leisure reading of books; reading letters, notes and e-mails; and volunteerism.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings are discussed in relation to the development and maintenance of health literacy over the life course. Programs and policies that encourage lifelong and lifewide educational resources and practices by older persons are needed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, 2800-515 Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5K3, Canada. wister@sfu.ca
authors.forename: Andrew V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Wister
authors.forename: Leslie J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Malloy-Weir
authors.forename: Irving
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Rootman
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Desjardins
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002170:Canada; D003201:Computers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D057220:Health Literacy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008019:Life Style; D012648:Self Care; D014838:Volunteers