Information Technologies as Health Management Tools: Urban Elders' Interest and Ability in Using' the Internet

Older adults represent an increasing percentage of both the whole U.S. population and persons living with one or more chronic health conditions. However, extant research has largely overlooked older adults when examining current Internet users and the potential for the Internet as a health managemen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Educational gerontology 2012-07, Vol.38 (7), p.491-506
Main Authors: Cresci, M. Kay, Novak, Julie M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging (Individuals)
Chronic Illness
Focus Groups
Health
Health care access
Information Sources
Information Technology
Internet
Measurement
Michigan
Older Adults
Older people
Perceptions
Technological Literacy
Telemedicine
Urban Areas
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Summary:Older adults represent an increasing percentage of both the whole U.S. population and persons living with one or more chronic health conditions. However, extant research has largely overlooked older adults when examining current Internet users and the potential for the Internet as a health management resource. In this study, the researchers conducted focus groups with urban elders in Detroit to elicit, in their own words, their collective perceptions about their interest, current uses, and desired uses for health management via the Internet in tandem with their current abilities and needs for technological training and support. The findings reveal that many urban elders access the Internet, or would like to, and they clearly articulate many ways that management tools on the Internet do/could empower and assist them in actively engaging in their health management and knowledgably interacting with their health care providers. The findings also support the premise that survey measurement instruments need to be developed in collaboration with those who will directly benefit from research findings and the practice applications.
ISSN:0360-1277
1521-0472
DOI:10.1080/03601277.2011.567185