A recent study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, aimed to investigate, “whether internet use and social engagement protect against health literacy decline during ageing, independent of cognitive decline.” The authors used prospective data from 4368 adults, ages 52 and older, from 2004 to 2011. The authors measured health literacy at baseline and at follow-up, and studied the influences of internet usage and engagement in social activities on health literacy decline. The study found that, “internet usage and social engagement, particularly cultural activities, may help older adults to maintain health literacy during ageing.”
