The Internet has become not only a useful tool for the elderly by providing a lifeline to friends and family, but also offers a source of references for those seeking health information. Health Promotion (2006) notes: “because individuals will be increasingly responsible for their own health, they will need access to quality information that has not been readily available in the past.” They also go on to recommend “Net Wellness, an electronic consumer health information services that provides the best possible health information to the broadest possible populations.” This site not only provides consumers with information on health topics, they also assists in locating health centers and provides a reference library. In addition, the site will respond to health related questions, drawing upon a panel of almost 500 experts. It has become a one-stop shopping mall for the health information consumer. As long as the resources are available (computer and hook-up), the ease of using a computer is readily mastered for most, regardless of age. My mother has been proficient on her PC for many years, and in the Human Resource office of the organization where I work, Bob, a 94-year old volunteer, has assisted customers with filling out on-line applications for several years. I think he is always amazed by the number of younger people that are not comfortable on the computer and takes a sense of pride in his skill level. By using the computer to broaden one’s knowledge of health promotion, we all become wiser consumers, including those of all ages.
Technorati Tags: Healthcare Informatics, Healthcare Informatics Resources, Health Promotion, Senior Citizens
Healthcare Informatics Resources 
November 17, 2013 at 1:44 am |
[…] Original Post The Elderly and the Internet […]
July 18, 2013 at 9:48 pm |
I agree that the internet is a very useful tool. Before you would have to go to your doctor to find out any information, now you can research things from medication, to surgical procedures.
July 18, 2013 at 9:47 pm |
I believe the internet is a great and powerful tool for the elderly if they are able to use it. We recently just got my great-grandma an iPad. Now of course it took her a while to learn how to use it but she loves getting e-mails from all her grand kids and sending her picture. She also like to be able to read the news paper on line. There are so many interesting things on the internet that they could use if they got someone to help them out at first.
July 18, 2013 at 9:45 pm |
I also agree that the internet is useful to the elder. I think the one main problem is getting them to use it and know how to use it. I think that so long as they are willing to learn how to use the internet, then it can be very beneficial to them. They can access websites for medical information and also like you said, they can keep in contact with friends and family. I also do believe that internet use would help stimulate their brain.
July 18, 2013 at 9:15 pm |
I also believe that health informatics resources are becoming an important part of all aspects of healthcare. The growing number of people using the internet for medical guidance is larger than ever, but there are misleading web-sites mixed in with the wealth of knowledge. Healthcare providers and community healthcare services should focus on educating patients to use credible web-sites, remind them that these are only a tool in their healthcare, and be knowledgeable to answer questions.
July 18, 2013 at 9:14 pm |
Healthcare informatcis resources (April 29, 2009) The Elderly and the Internet [Blog Post] Retrieved from https://healthcare-informatics-resources.com/2009/04/29/the-elderly-and-the-internet/
My comment reflecting the elderly and the internet consists of me believing that the internet does come in much use to the elder. The internet allows the elder to have a life line basically with family, friends and also the use to look up information. This quote was documented in 2009, “because individuals will be increasingly responsible for their own health, they will need access to quality information that has not been readily available in the past.” This is very true in many ways. What I have learned from this class is that health care is very costly and has its ups and downs. The internet allows the elder to be able to do many things that they might have not been able to do in the past. Even tho technology seems to be taking everything over in certain ways it does come useful in many ways.
May 8, 2013 at 8:51 pm |
The internet allows the elder to have a life line basically with family, friends and also the use to look up information. This quote was documented in 2009, “because individuals will be increasingly responsible for their own health, they will need access to quality information that has not been readily available in the past.” This is very true in many ways. What I have learned from this class is that health care is very costly and has its ups and downs. The internet allows the elder to be able to many things that they might have not been able to do in the past. Even tho technology seems to be taking everything over in certain ways it does come useful in many ways.