노인을 위한 ‘디지털 헬스 리터러시’ [유레카]

"Digital Health Literacy" for Seniors [Ukeka]

The term "literacy" originally refers to the ability to read and write. Derived from Latin "littera," meaning "letter," its meaning has evolved over time. In medieval Europe, it denoted the capacity for advanced knowledge, such as reading and writing in Latin. In the early 20th century, as illiteracy rates reached 80%, it signified moving beyond illiteracy and being able to write in one's native language.

As literacy rates dropped dramatically in the late 20th century, literacy came to represent the ability to critically understand, utilize, and communicate specific information. This evolution is mirrored in terms like "media literacy" and "financial literacy."

In 2006, the University of Toronto's Dr. Cameron Norris, among others, established "Digital Health Literacy." Dr. Norris defined it as "the ability to search for, comprehend, evaluate, and apply health information from electronic sources to address health issues." As electronic sources have proliferated, the scope of digital health literacy has expanded.

This includes smartphone health management apps, smartwatches and wearables, remote consultations, and the multitude of information circulating on the internet, YouTube, blogs, and various social networking services.

The digital health literacy gap has now become a critical factor in determining the quality of life. Utilizing this skill correctly can greatly aid in health improvement, but a lack of such skills can lead to significant setbacks. Exposure to unverified health information and commercial advertisements, as well as unnecessary spending on health-related food and medical devices, can result.

Moreover, seniors may miss timely treatments. The issue lies in the low digital health literacy levels among elderly Koreans. A recent study by Samsung Seoul Hospital's Professors Jo Hyuk and Yun Jeonghee found that only 22% of seniors aged 60 and above demonstrated high digital health literacy.