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Boomers, Seniors Use Internet for Health Information
but Question Credibility
June 20, 2005 - A solid majority, 69 percent of
baby boomers and senior citizens - ages 50 and up – with Internet
access, at least occasionally use the Internet to look for health
information. However, 31 percent stated they found it somewhat or very
difficult to know where to go to find reliable sources of health
information. And 38% find it very or somewhat difficult to assess the
reliability and credibility of health information on the Web.
Almost one- quarter of those surveyed also stated
that it was very or somewhat difficult to know how to use the
information they found to help make decisions about their health care.
The survey was conducted by the Merck Institute of Aging & Health (MIAH),
a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and health
care of older adults.
"This new survey speaks to the volume of health
information available on the web. Wading through it and knowing what's
credible can be very difficult, even for those who consider themselves
well informed," said Patricia Barry, MD, Executive Director of the Merck
Institute of Aging & Health.
Nearly 70% of those surveyed say they are
interested in learning more about how to use the Internet to find
reliable health information.
As part of the effort to help the public find more
credible health information on the Internet, MIAH and the American
Federation of Aging Research (AFAR) are re-launching a new and improved
Health Compass Website (http://www.healthcompass.org/)
targeted at older adults and their caregivers. The site is a "how-to"
program designed to help visitors better understand health information
and research on aging. It will enable visitors to:
> Find credible health information on the
Internet.
> Critically evaluate the reliability of health information, product
claims and research findings.
> Act on informed decisions about health care or lifestyle changes.
"Health Compass can help visitors navigate the sea
of health and aging information available on the Internet and tell the
difference between what's helpful and what's harmful," continued Dr.
Barry.
The new survey was conducted on behalf of MIAH in
May 2005. 1,024 adults ages 50 and older, who currently have Internet
access, were questioned via the Internet. Of those surveyed, 41 percent
said they rarely, if ever, check the source of health information they
find on the Web, and 45 percent rarely if ever check to see how current
the information is that they are getting.
"The vast amount of health information on the
Internet can be especially confusing for older adults who have less
experience using a computer and navigating the Web, said AFAR's
Executive Director, Stephanie Lederman. "Health Compass is designed to
be user-friendly for older adults by using larger type, uncluttered
pages, and clear navigational steps."
MIAH is a non-profit organization, funded by the
Merck Company Foundation, and located in Washington, DC. The
organization is dedicated to improving the health and independence of
older adults around the world through information and education, and it
is especially concerned with the education of primary care physicians in
geriatrics. The Institute currently funds projects in the United States,
Europe and Latin America.
AFAR is a national non-profit organization
dedicated to supporting basic aging research. Since its founding in
1981, AFAR has provided more than 70 million to more than 1,900
researchers. Support for AFAR grants comes from foundations,
corporations and individuals.
Source: Merck Institute of Aging &
Health
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