Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #103842

Amy Gonzalez, MS, Patient Education Office/ The Learning Center, U. T. M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. BOX 301439, Houston, TX 77230-1439, 713-563-8017, amygonz@mdanderson.org and Cassandra Harris, MS, CHES, Public Education, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Box 229, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030.

This presentation will address how the growth in the older adult healthcare market impacts patient and public health communications and what educators can do to ensure they are developing programs and products that are effective and user-friendly for this growing population. Participants will learn about the challenges many older adults face when receiving health information and will get to experience some of the challenges first-hand. Based on a review of the literature, the presenters will offer tips on how to develop programs that will be appealing to older adults, how to develop written materials that are informative and easy to read, how to speak in person and over-the-phone to ensure effective communication with older adults, and lastly, how to communicate effectively through technology to the growing number of older adults who are using computer services for health information.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Articulate the impact of the growing older adult population on patient and public health communications. 2.Apply effective communication methods in eduating older adults through
  program development, materials development, verbal communications, communications and technology.

  Keywords: Aging, Communication

  Presenting author's disclosure statement:
  

  I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

  Recorded presentation

  Health Education for the Aging Consumer

  The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA