Meeting Seniors' Information Needs: Using Computer Technology

Abstract

This article discusses the design and development of a program to integrate computer technology into two Nurse Wellness Centers located in low-income minority high-rise facilities. The goal of the program is to teach residents how to use the computers and the Internet to locate health information and to take a more active role in their own health care. Previous research shows that low-income seniors have had limited access to a personal computer and the Internet, therefore creating a digital divide between those individuals having Internet access and those who do not. By teaching minority seniors how to locate Internet-based health information, it is hoped that they will seek more information regarding their health conditions, proposed treatments, and current medications. This article describes the training format, barriers to implementation, and initial qualitative findings.