Older Americans are one of the fastest growing segments of the population that turn to internet for health information. According to NIH Press release "66 percent of "wired" seniors surf for health and medical information when they go online."
For this reason the National Library of Medicine (NLM) and National Institute on Aging (NIA) have teamed up and created NIHSeniorHealth.gov the focus of which is the health concern of our Senior Citizens. The research base of the site are the latest studies in cognition and aging. The health information is featured in various formats, articles are short, segments are shorts and the older readers with vision difficulties may choose the large-print type sizes. The site is very senior-friendly.
Health information online that is focused on older people's health is becoming increasingly important and popular. Many authoritative health portals add more content on Senior Health or create new columns on Eldercare or Aging.
Advanced age is not a hindrance to computer use, however, there are gradual age-associated declines in vision and some cognitive abilities that may limit the use of internet especially for health purposes for seniors. Therefore, age-related and senior's health-oriented sites are trying to make their content more easily available to the senior citizens in their quest for health information or use of the technology for various reasons.
It is expected that the online resources for health information may soon play a much larger role among older people. However, it should be noted that online health information is very limited for someone's health. The final decision and action must always be taken after one on one consultation with a qualified health care professional.
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