Baby boomers and digital health information: access, evaluation, and application

The Baby Boom generation is changing the age structure of the U.S. Despite the significance of this cohort, little is known about how they apply Internet health information to manage personal health. This study focused on Baby Boomers' knowledge about their health information searching behavior and the role social support plays in that behavior to better understand their perceptions of healthy aging. Social cognitive theory was the framework to investigate individual factors that may influence Baby Boomers' decisions about health information and whether they apply that information for healthy aging. Individual interviews followed by a post-interview questionnaire collected participants' perspectives of their searching behavior and applying what they found.

Findings confirm Baby Boomers apply online health information to advocate for specific treatments and more appropriate medications and to change their health behaviors to maintain quality of life. They routinely rely on social connections when gathering information and implementing changes. Within generation comparisons demonstrated the younger half of this sample population more frequently talked about applying online health information. The younger half also expressed confidence in their abilities more often than the older half of participants.

Knowledge about Baby Boomers' Internet health information seeking behaviors has broad implications for health care professionals, web page designers, policy makers, and others interested in promoting healthy aging. Insight into older adults' perceptions about using newer digital devices and their perseverance to learn new procedures like accessing electronic health records may spark changes in the communication between health care providers and patients of all abilities.