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Access to information and support for health: some potential issues and solutions for an ageing population

Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, s.capel{at}northumbria.ac.uk

Sue Childs

Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, sue.childs{at}northumbria.ac.uk

Linda Banwell

Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Susan Heaford

Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, s.heaford{at}northumbria.ac.uk

Computer illiteracy is diminishing as a new generation of retirees become the younger old and display more up-to-date knowledge and skills. However, there are questions about whether this group will be able to continue to update their skills as they get older, and whether it is appropriate to develop technology solutions specifically for this age group or to concentrate on accessible designs for the whole population. We propose that older people may be empowered through involvement in the design and provision of accessible information and technology solutions and through training opportunities in information seeking skills. Access, involvement and training need to be provided in everyday locations, and training needs to be closely related to people's physical, cognitive and information needs and those of the particular communities where they live. These issues are explored using evidence from a number of research projects conducted by the authors.

Key Words: domotics • health information • older people • social networks • technology • websites

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Health Informatics Journal, Vol. 13, No. 4, 243-253 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1460458207079824


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Capel, S. Articles by Heaford, S. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Capel, S. Articles by Heaford, S. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?