Journal of Aging Science

Abstract

The Habits and Preferences of Smartphone use in Obtaining Health-Related Information among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Mimi Mun Yee Tse*, Venus Hiu Ying Ngai, Percy Poo-See Tse, Carol Pui Shan Kwok and Karen Ka Man Cheung

Background and purpose: The need for health services and information increases as the aging population increases. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic created an enormous barrier between older adults and healthcare. This study aimed to assess how the habits of using smartphones and preferences of smartphone use relate to the accessibility of health-related information among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: This study used a quantitative, cross-sectional, and descriptive design approach. Data collection occurred between October 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022. A 33-item questionnaire in Chinese was developed to examine smartphone usage habits and preferences for obtaining health-related information. A panel of five gerontology experts assessed the validity and reliability of the questionnaire.

Results: A total of 360 participants were recruited for this study. This study showed that older adults expressed a more positive attitude toward using smartphones as their source of health-related information, significantly when the COVID-19 pandemic limited their access to this information through traditional methods like leaflets or written material.

Conclusion: As technology advances, the way of delivering health-related information needs to upgrade. Mobile Health (mHealth) should be widely used to encourage more effective health-seeking behaviors and improve the overall health outcome in the older population. The healthier this population, the longer their lifespan is.

Published Date: 2023-09-19; Received Date: 2023-08-17