The Relationship among Health Literacy, Physical Activity, and Self-Rated Health in Older Adults

Purpose: This study examined the associations between health literacy, physical activity, and subjective health perceptions in older adults. Method: Nationally representative data were obtained from the 2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The analytic sample consisted of 1,595 older adults aged 65 to 84 years. Health literacy, physical activity, and self-rated health were assessed using structured survey instruments. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0 and included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, two-way analysis of variance, multiple regression analyses, and mediation testing to examine direct and indirect effects. Results: The results indicated that women aged 65–74 years exhibited higher levels of health literacy and physical activity compared to other subgroups. Both health literacy and physical activity were significant predictors of self-rated health. Mediation analysis further revealed that physical activity partially mediated the relationship between health literacy and self-rated health. Conclusion: These findings suggest that health literacy and physical activity differ by gender and age among older adults, and that improving health literacy may promote greater physical activity and more positive self-rated health.