Social media: an isolated older person’s friend—or foe?
By Tom Kamber Social media holds the promise of connecting everyone, everywhere, all the time. For isolated older adults, it would seem an antidote to aging’s social afflictions: an adaptable solution that can revitalize old acquaintances, strengthen existing relationships and spawn new connections. But three studies, plus lessons learned from a recent project at Older […]
Patients Accessing Technology at Home (PATH)
While patient access to health information technology is a core component of currenthealth system reform and its promise for increased quality, cost control and satisfaction, most adults over the age of 65 are stranded on the other side of the “digital divide.” The PATH Project’s overarching goal is to develop an effectivemodel for engaging, training […]
Connecting Rural Older Americans with Technology: Lessons from Senior Planet
The age profile of rural America is rapidly changing—an exodus of young people has left many towns with high concentrations of senior citizens and few services to help them. Now a unique partnership in upstate New York has found promising solutions that combine technology with a human touch. Download PDF
Older Adults and OATS Computer Training Programs: A Social Impact Analysis Findings Report
Paula J Gardner, PhD and The New York Academy of Medicine, Division of Health Policy April 2010 This study examined the impact of the OATS computer training courses on older adult participants. Findings were generated from an integrated analysis of all study data that served to complement one another. In particular, field notes and individual […]