WWW. Do not forget older people

Abstract

Background: internet use continues to grow. It is often assumed that most users are younger or middle aged. We set out to establish how access to and use of the Internet varied with age. Methods: we surveyed a sample of patients attending urology outpatient clinics in a one week period. Results: use of the internet decreases with increasing age. However 75% of ages 65-69 and 55% of over 80's access the internet, with most doing so at least weekly. Whilst health-related information is very relevant, only 20% of patients had looked at the hospital departmental website prior to a visit. Conclusion: as health professionals we must ensure that we have relevant up-to-date information on our websites for patients to access of all age ranges. Departments should give consideration to courses or other novel methods (e.g. computers in GP surgeries, text to speech software, etc) to improve internet access in older people. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved.