Читать книгу Pathy's Principles and Practice of Geriatric Medicine - Группа авторов - Страница 113

The use of the internet is becoming a ubiquitous part of life and is rapidly changing among older adults. Research from the Pew Research Center suggests two‐thirds of Americans over 65 utilize the internet.³³ Approximately 4 in 10 older adults own a smartphone, and approximately 30% of the population over 65 utilizes social media regularly. Younger age (i.e. 65–69 years old), higher income, and higher educational attainment are all associated with higher rates of internet usage. As the Baby Boomer population ages and mobile technology continues to become more widely available, it is likely that older adults' engagement with the internet and social media will continue to rise. Barriers to engagement with the internet and technology include a lack of confidence about learning to use new devices and physical handicaps that impede comfort in using handheld devices. A variety of senior centres, libraries, and other community organizations provide educational material and classes specifically for improving senior citizens' technologic literacy.

Internet use can offer many advantages to older adults. For instance, online ordering of goods and services, on‐demand transportation, and online banking can benefit those with impaired mobility. Preliminary studies suggest that using the internet and applications can help older adults manage chronic medical conditions.³⁴ Where available, telehealth allows older adults with limited mobility or who live in rural locations to access primary and speciality care. There is also emerging evidence suggesting that internet use can help combat loneliness and social isolation, although results of studies have been mixed.^35,36 However, older adults are also often preferentially targeted by scammers (see the section ‘Scams and fraud’). Some studies suggest that they may be more susceptible to the spread of misinformation than younger internet users.³⁷ Older adults should be counselled on safe internet use, particularly if they are newly engaging in technology.

The impact of video and streaming services has been mixed. Patients can and do benefit from high‐quality, educational materials meant to educate them about medical devices, health conditions, or upcoming procedures. However, some self‐proclaimed healthcare gurus on reality television promote questionable or frankly inaccurate medical advice.³⁸ Patients should be sceptical of medical claims made by popular culture figures, particularly claims made outside of the purview of regulating bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration.