How the Internet Can Benefit Older Americans

On April 24, 2013, the FCC will host a free Senior Digital Literacy Day seminar, "How the Internet Can Benefit Older Americans."



Seniors, and those who work with and/or care for seniors, are invited to attend and learn about how Broadband (high speed Internet services) can benefit older Americans. Panelists, including representatives from the FCC, communications companies and non-profit organizations will focus on the many ways the Internet can benefit seniors, with emphasis on its safe and secure use. The seminar will include interactive demonstrations of electronic devices, such as cell phones, tablets, iPads, desktops and e-readers, and user-friendly computer programs that can benefit Seniors.



I was pleased to see the announcement for this seminar.  Substantially mounting evidence is demonstrating the benefits of both social media and patient decision aids.  But those who use the most health care and stand to benefit the most from these interventions are precisely the ones least likely to have the digital connectivity habits necessary to facilitate effective social media and patient decision aid usage.  Check out, for example, this chart from a recent Deloitte report.