Navigating the Digital Health Maze: Older Adults Grapple with Online Health Information and AI-Generated Content
The internet has become a primary source of information for individuals across all demographics, and older adults are no exception. A significant majority of those over 50 now turn to the web for health-related information, seeking answers to their medical questions and exploring treatment options. However, a recent poll reveals a growing concern among this population: a pervasive distrust of health information generated by artificial intelligence. While AI holds immense potential in healthcare, a staggering 74% of older adults express little to no confidence in health advice originating from AI algorithms. This skepticism underscores the challenge of establishing trust in the rapidly evolving digital health landscape.
Compounding this distrust is the difficulty many older adults face in discerning accurate health information from misinformation online. The poll reveals that 20% of individuals over 50 lack confidence in their ability to identify false or misleading health claims. This vulnerability is even more pronounced among those experiencing physical or mental health challenges, including those with disabilities. This segment of the population, often in greater need of reliable health information, ironically finds it most challenging to navigate the online information jungle, highlighting a critical need for improved digital health literacy initiatives. The difficulty in finding accurate information is further underscored by the fact that only 32% of older adults who have recently searched for health information online found it very easy to locate credible sources.
This growing digital divide in healthcare access and comprehension has significant implications. The University of Michigan and AARP, in collaboration with the National Poll on Healthy Aging, conducted a comprehensive study to explore the landscape of health literacy among older adults. The findings illuminate the critical need for concerted efforts to bridge this gap. Health systems, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies must prioritize the creation and dissemination of clear, accessible, and trustworthy health information in various formats, catering to diverse learning styles and technological proficiency. Furthermore, empowering older adults with the skills to identify credible online resources becomes paramount. Educational programs and resources focused on digital health literacy can equip individuals with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate the complex world of online health information.
Recognizing the significant trust placed in healthcare professionals, the study also emphasizes the essential role of doctors, pharmacists, and even medically informed family and friends in providing reliable health guidance. Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, director of the poll and a primary care physician, highlights the importance of leveraging these trusted relationships to disseminate accurate information and counter misinformation. He underscores the high level of trust older adults place in websites operated by health organizations, advocating for increased utilization of these platforms as reliable sources of information. The poll reveals that 87% of older adults have sought health advice directly from a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or medically informed friend or family member in the past year, reinforcing the significance of these personal connections in health information seeking.
The poll also delves into the specific online resources utilized by older adults for health information and the level of trust they place in these platforms. While a substantial proportion (39%) turn to commercial health information websites such as WebMD and Healthline, only 36% of those users consider the information very trustworthy. In contrast, health system websites, used by 31% of respondents, enjoy a significantly higher trust rating, with 59% considering them very trustworthy. Government, non-profit, and university health websites, while less frequently used, garner comparable trust levels to health system websites. This disparity underscores the need to promote the use of reputable online resources and equip older adults with the ability to differentiate between credible and potentially unreliable sources.
Indira Venkat, Senior Vice President of Research at AARP, emphasizes the urgency of addressing the trust deficit surrounding online health information, particularly in the context of AI-generated content. While acknowledging the potential of AI in supporting healthy aging, she stresses the crucial need for accessible and dependable health resources. Ensuring access to trustworthy information from healthcare professionals and credible websites becomes even more critical as the digital health landscape continues to evolve. AARP’s commitment to providing free resources on the benefits and risks of AI, coupled with Senior Planet’s free online classes on navigating the impact of AI in daily life, reflects a proactive approach to empowering older adults in the digital age.
Beyond online resources, the poll also explores traditional forms of health literacy and trust. A notable 18% of older adults reported not using the internet at all for health information, a percentage that rises among individuals over 65, Black and non-Hispanic individuals, and those with lower educational attainment. These findings highlight the need for accessible health information delivery methods that cater to diverse technological literacy levels. Furthermore, challenges in understanding written and verbal information from healthcare providers, coupled with uncertainties around healthcare costs, emphasize the need for clear communication and patient-centered care. The study’s findings also encompass prescription medication literacy, with the vast majority of respondents expressing confidence in understanding medication labels and accompanying information. This positive finding contrasts with the lower confidence levels observed in understanding medical forms and navigating healthcare costs. The poll results are based on a nationally representative survey conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, providing a robust and valuable snapshot of health literacy among older adults in the United States. This research serves as a call to action for healthcare providers, organizations, and policymakers to address the evolving challenges of health information access and equip older adults with the tools necessary to navigate the complex digital health landscape and make informed decisions about their health.