Internet utilization among the elderly as a health communication medium

The Internet has increasingly become a primary medium for delivering health information. While the younger population may be familiar with or even prefer obtaining health information via the Internet, the same is not expected of the elderly. A health needs, preferences, and utilization assessment survey was conducted in four rural counties in central Michigan. Based on the responses of 757 residents aged 65 and older, computer availability and accessibility to and utilization of the Internet were examined. More than one half of the respondents reported that they had no access to any computer or the Internet. Nearly one third of the residents who have access to the Internet reported that they felt either very uncomfortable or uncomfortable using the Internet. Similarly, almost the same number of respondents reported that they spent no time on the Internet and one half reported that they spent 1-4 hours per week. While 40.4% of the residents 65-79 years old reported to have an access to the Internet at home, only 13.0% of the residents 80 years or older had the Internet access at home. Also, there was a gender difference in accessibility to the Internet. Furthermore, comfort level using the Internet was positively correlated with hours of Internet use, education level, and family income. The Internet can be an effective channel to convey health information to the older people provided that effort is made to help them acquire basic skills. Multiple approaches to help older people become comfortable with the Internet are discussed.