Longevity think tank questions impact of trusting in online health information services

A new report on ‘Next Generation Health Consumers’, undertaken by the International Longevity Centre (ILC-UK), has warned that older generations could suffer if plans to move health information services online or over the phone happen too swiftly.

Finding that one in seven survey respondents over 65 find it very difficult to source the appropriate health information, the ILC-UK argues that a deep generational divide threatens the well-being of older people if services are continually shaped to meet the habits of younger adults.

Research director, Sally-Marie Bamford, comments, “Whilst the majority of us do not find it difficult to access health information, this research highlights that there are millions who struggle. This research highlights that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Older and younger people trust and use different sources of health information. If we are to have an empowered and healthy older population, improving access to health information is vital. As new ways of communicating become more commonplace we must not forget the diversity of our population. We must work to raise the health literacy of all ages.”

Other worrying findings from the report include that 12 per cent of adults under 24 consider themselves in poor health, which is higher than those of European neighbours, while only seven out of ten of those surveyed said they would definitely go to the doctor if they found a lump on their neck.

Of the generational divide, the ILC-UK also finds that older people are more likely to trust doctors and nurses, whereas younger adults favour pharmacists and advice from medical helplines, or even friends and family.

In response the ILC-UK wants the Government to establish plans that tackle issues caused by digital exclusion, while urging that health and social care professionals should themselves be trained to raise awareness amongst the population regarding how individuals can better safeguard their health.

An unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer enabled the ILC-UK to compile the report, which is based on sample data from 4,182 individuals spread across the whole of the UK.