Health Information Seeking Behavior among Older Adults in The Digital Era

Abstract

The population of older adults is increasing rapidly and their use of social media has escalated substantially in recent years. The purpose of this article is to present the health information seeking behaviors of older adults in the digital era. This article focuses on the definition and the purpose of health information seeking behaviors, the status of social media use among older adults and concepts of online health information seeking behavior among older adults. The guidelines for support and encouragement of better online health information seeking behaviors for the older adult population in the digital era include 1) development of digital technology and social media competencies, 2) promotion of positive attitudes toward digital technology, and social media use, 3) promotion of incentives for the use of digital technology, and social media, and 4) overcome barriers in the use of digital technology and social media. This will lead to the promotion of accessibility of health information through digital technology and social media and will enhance its effective usage by older adults.