This is very true. There are many hypochondriacs out there that could get carried away with medical websites like MD. I don’t think that the internet will ever be able to replace the knowledge and advice we receive from a live doctor.
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The Elderly and the Internet
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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/
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.
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One of the assessment questions I ask when interviewing one of our patients is “Have you fallen in the past 3 months”? It is a part of a standard assessment questionnaire. Our electronic medical record can be set so that it always has to be answered. To my surprise, often patients answer “yes”. The populations mostly saying yes are 65-75 year olds.
As we get older our vision starts to change. The ability to see in low light decreases and it makes walking in dim hallways or night driving a challenge. The light we see lessens due to the pupil shrinking. The lens of our eye thickens and can turn a yellow color. A patient described it to me as “having a dark pair of yellow sunglasses on all the time”.
Recommendations that I give my patients are to aide them in the fall prevention. These include de-cluttering hallways in their homes and making sure all the small rugs in the house are removed. I have found that the use of a red light for a night light instead of a white light cuts down the glare and patients can then see better in the hallways. For outside, I also recommended the use glow strips on their stairs and entrances to their homes, garages and yards. If the patient is still driving, limiting nighttime driving would be a best choice for all involved. We discuss when they last had their eyes examined. One of my patients said “we do not think of those things all the time we just figure it is old age”. Getting an exam is a good way to be proactive to prevent an eye complication. Once examined, the patient can be aided by a simple pair of glasses or a surgical procedure to improve one’s vision and prevent falls. To expedite this process, I have the ability to do a direct transfer of the patient to the Eye Care Center at our clinic, so they can easily make their appointment.
Kenneth James, Jacqueline Gouldbourne, Chloe Morris, and Denise Eldemire-Shearer wrote an very good paper on “Falls and Fall Prevention in the Elderly: Insights from Jamaica.” They were effective in writing about the use of electronic data bases and electronic health records in the research of their paper. These same healthcare informatics resources can be used to identify and address falls in the seniors that may occur in almost any given community.
My mother lives with me and it is amazing how much time she spends on the internet. She shops and emails friends and family. She also has projects she researches online such as her family tree and growing roses for different companies. She loves the interaction and I feel it keeps her young!
Original Post
September 7, 2009
Title: The Elderly and the Internet, comment
Having my grandmother who lives in another state send all of us daily emails has had a positive effect on not only us, but also my grandmother. She is sick and unable to travel, she finds comfort in sending out emails and jokes to her family. She has even recently joined Facebook! Which was shocking to me at first. But the more the elderly do stay in touch with friends and family the better! I have read many articles in the past regarding the importance of keeping your mind stimulated as you age and never stop learning. So for the elderly to branch out and learn new technology, can only bring them a wealth of information, and keep there minds stimulated!
Original Post:
August 26, 2009
The Elderly and The Internet, comment
While I agree that the Internet has enabled the elderly as well as many others an opportunity to research health information. The elderly must be aware that all sites do not contain quality accurate medical information and that the researchers should use caution. Information should be taken from sites with long established history for providing credible and reliable medical information. Now, from a purely mental health prospective, the Internet provides an opportunity for the elderly to connect with family, senior citizen groups, and other outside activities that they would otherwise not have any access. In this day of modern technology, not many family members are reachable by home phones; therefore cell phones, email, and text messages are the norms for communication. In fact, if one wants to keep in touch with family and especially the teenaged family members, email and text messages are their best chance for communication. In addition, with the limited amount of patience and attention teenagers’ exhibit, a brief and not so personal interaction with elderly relatives is about all they can stand. So if text messaging is the chosen method of communication, one must become well informed about the text language. In addition, for many elderly people having the ability to stay in regular contact with family members does as much or more for their psyche than anything else does.
Original Post
April 29, 2009
The Elderly and the Internet
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.
Social networking has become a way for the elderly to communicate with friends and family. More and more are moving away from email and logging into social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. Why are they choosing to use these social networking sites over email? Simply for the convenience, and the fact that they can reach people they have not communicated with in a long time. With email, you have to have an actual address, which limits who they are able to communicate with. While this has become a great tool for parents and grandparents to connect with their family, some of the younger generations are not so keen on the idea that their parents or grandparents are able to be added to their "friend list." Retirement is a wonderful concept, but the reality is that most people are not able to retire and maintain the standard of living they are accustomed to. Not only are those who retire needing to find supplemental income, many people who have not had to work are finding it nearly impossible to survive in this economy without some form of income. Therefore, they are logging onto the Internet to search for home business opportunities. Once they have found what they would like to pursue, they start using the Internet for information and for marketing purposes. Social networking sites have made it possible for the elderly who have chosen to find a way to make an income from home to network with others. These sites are a great way to find support, as well as market their business. Many people reaching the age of retirement are using the Internet to make plans for traveling. The Internet is an excellent tool for people to find the best deals and best places to go. The mature users of the Internet population have grown over the last few years, as well as the reasons for which the elderly are using the Internet. There are many more people ages 55 and over that are more familiar with how to use the Internet due to training through work, which allows for more people in this age group to access the Internet for a variety of reasons. With the increase in the need for a supplemental income after retirement, more people will turn to the Internet for business opportunities. Internet businesses will begin to target more people in this age group, which will increase mature Internet users. Will the elderly someday dominate the Internet? With the users becoming younger and younger each year, it is not likely, but they will definitely make up a significant percentage.
Original Post
September 7, 2009
Title: The Elderly and the Internet, comment
Having my grandmother who lives in another state send all of us daily emails has had a positive effect on not only us, but also my grandmother. She is sick and unable to travel, she finds comfort in sending out emails and jokes to her family. She has even recently joined Facebook! Which was shocking to me at first. But the more the elderly do stay in touch with friends and family the better! I have read many articles in the past regarding the importance of keeping your mind stimulated as you age and never stop learning. So for the elderly to branch out and learn new technology, can only bring them a wealth of information, and keep there minds stimulated!
Original Post:
August 26, 2009
The Elderly and The Internet, comment
While I agree that the Internet has enabled the elderly as well as many others an opportunity to research health information. The elderly must be aware that all sites do not contain quality accurate medical information and that the researchers should use caution. Information should be taken from sites with long established history for providing credible and reliable medical information. Now, from a purely mental health prospective, the Internet provides an opportunity for the elderly to connect with family, senior citizen groups, and other outside activities that they would otherwise not have any access. In this day of modern technology, not many family members are reachable by home phones; therefore cell phones, email, and text messages are the norms for communication. In fact, if one wants to keep in touch with family and especially the teenaged family members, email and text messages are their best chance for communication. In addition, with the limited amount of patience and attention teenagers’ exhibit, a brief and not so personal interaction with elderly relatives is about all they can stand. So if text messaging is the chosen method of communication, one must become well informed about the text language. In addition, for many elderly people having the ability to stay in regular contact with family members does as much or more for their psyche than anything else does.
Original Post
April 29, 2009
The Elderly and the Internet
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.
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Tags: Healthcare Informatics, Healthcare Informatics Resources, Health Promotion Elderly Health Care Informatics, Health Promotion Senior Citizen Health Care Informatics, Online Computer Class for Senior Citizen Healthcare Workers
Having my grandmother who lives in another state send all of us daily emails has had a positive effect on not only us, but also my grandmother. She is sick and unable to travel, she finds comfort in sending out emails and jokes to her family. She has even recently joined Facebook! Which was shocking to me at first. But the more the elderly do stay in touch with friends and family the better! I have read many articles in the past regarding the importance of keeping your mind stimulated as you age and never stop learning. So for the elderly to branch out and learn new technology, can only bring them a wealth of information, and keep there minds stimulated!
Original Post:
August 26, 2009
The Elderly and The Internet, comment
While I agree that the Internet has enabled the elderly as well as many others an opportunity to research health information. The elderly must be aware that all sites do not contain quality accurate medical information and that the researchers should use caution. Information should be taken from sites with long established history for providing credible and reliable medical information. Now, from a purely mental health prospective, the Internet provides an opportunity for the elderly to connect with family, senior citizen groups, and other outside activities that they would otherwise not have any access. In this day of modern technology, not many family members are reachable by home phones; therefore cell phones, email, and text messages are the norms for communication. In fact, if one wants to keep in touch with family and especially the teenaged family members, email and text messages are their best chance for communication. In addition, with the limited amount of patience and attention teenagers’ exhibit, a brief and not so personal interaction with elderly relatives is about all they can stand. So if text messaging is the chosen method of communication, one must become well informed about the text language. In addition, for many elderly people having the ability to stay in regular contact with family members does as much or more for their psyche than anything else does.
Original Post
April 29, 2009
The Elderly and the Internet
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.
Tags: Healthcare Informatics, Healthcare Informatics Resources, Health Promotion Elderly Health Care Informatics, Health Promotion Senior Citizen Health Care Informatics
While I agree that the Internet has enabled the elderly as well as many others an opportunity to research health information. The elderly must be aware that all sites do not contain quality accurate medical information and that the researchers should use caution. Information should be taken from sites with long established history for providing credible and reliable medical information. Now, from a purely mental health prospective, the Internet provides an opportunity for the elderly to connect with family, senior citizen groups, and other outside activities that they would otherwise not have any access. In this day of modern technology, not many family members are reachable by home phones; therefore cell phones, email, and text messages are the norms for communication. In fact, if one wants to keep in touch with family and especially the teenaged family members, email and text messages are their best chance for communication. In addition, with the limited amount of patience and attention teenagers’ exhibit, a brief and not so personal interaction with elderly relatives is about all they can stand. So if text messaging is the chosen method of communication, one must become well informed about the text language. In addition, for many elderly people having the ability to stay in regular contact with family members does as much or more for their psyche than anything else does.
Original Post
April 29, 2009
The Elderly and the Internet
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.
Tags: Healthcare Informatics, Healthcare Informatics Resources, Health Promotion Elderly Health Care Informatics, Health Promotion Senior Citizen Health Care Informatics
I agree, largely that we should not underestimate the benefits of using technology and internet resources in the elderly population as well as the younger very “tech friendly” populations. However, I think it important to ensure that we aim to reach our designated population and not simply see internet alone as a sufficient answer to a problem of education. For example, I know of elderly people who have difficulty reading computer screens and small sized fonts. If a website is geared for educating the elderly, it could have larger font directly, or louder volumes if sound is a part of the site. I feel it is important to use marketing strategies here for the purpose of best educating our focused populations. I also feel it necessary to include here the importance of ensuring education on seeing a doctor or advanced practice provider if one is experiencing symptoms. As a nurse, I have seen many times, people self “diagnose” themselves based on infromation received from internet sources, some even reputable. For lay individuals, there are many benefits to receiving education on healthcare maintenance, nutrition and disease prevention, however we as providers should also educate on the importance of receiving advaced practice assessment when symptoms actually arise. It would be a great shame, and unfortunately is a rather regular occurence to many, to let a easily treated or even potentially life threatening symptom go missed and untreated due to mis”diagnosis” by a lay individual based on information received from the internet. Again, i think it incredibly helpful to promote education from any reputable source, howvere, diagnosis and assessment can rarely be substituted for an advanced practitioner’s trained eye, ear and mind.
Technorati Tags: Healthcare Informatics, Healthcare Informatics Resources, Health Promotion, Health Assessment, Senior Citizens
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 