Applying Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory to Enhance Older Adults’ Health Literacy Through Nursing Care: A Theory Analysis

This paper explores the utility of Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory in enhancing health literacy among older adults in clinical nursing practice. With an aging global population, older adults increasingly require complex healthcare interactions. Effective communication between nurses and older adults, a central tenet of Peplau's theory, is critical for promoting health literacy and ensuring positive outcomes. Health literacy enables older adults to better navigate healthcare systems, manage chronic conditions, and engage in self-care. This theory analysis employs Walker and Avant's methodology to examine Peplau's theory in the context of enhancing older adults' health literacy. We provide a historical overview of the theory's origins, describe its meaning, and present a literature review of academic literature that explores the concept of nurses enhancing older adults' health literacy. Through a thematic synthesis of nine records retrieved from three databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO), this study identifies key themes such as trust-building, the role of social support, and nurses' roles as educators in facilitating health literacy. Findings support interpersonal nurse-patient relationships as critical to addressing health literacy barriers. The analysis highlights that Peplau's Interpersonal Relations Theory provides a useful framework for improving health literacy among older adults, ultimately supporting their well-being and healthcare outcomes.