Patient Education and the Elderly

Abstract

The past decade has witnessed a rise in the concept of consumer health care and an increasing commitment of health professionals to patient education. A new awareness of the complexities of health behavior has led health providers to focus on the need to guide patients in understanding their illnesses, in developing strategies to continue daily life in spite of chronic conditions, and in acquiring adaptive skills for mastery and competency in living. An understanding of the basic principles of adult education will enhance the health professional's skills in carrying out patient education with adults. In particular, the concept of life span development in education provides a framework for planning patient education interventions for elderly clients.L