Publication: Exploring Potential Benefits and Ethical Implications of Internet-Based Information Gathering for Active Ageing: A Data Analytics and Visualization Approach
Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
International Medical University
Abstract
The world is moving fast towards an ageing population, with older adults
representing a significant and growing proportion of the population. As
older adults age, their health and well-being become increasingly important.
The use of the Internet for health information gathering among older adults
is a topic of growing interest in research and policy discussions and is a
growing concern.
Motivation for this study stemmed from the need to understand patterns and
behaviours of how older adults use the internet for health information
seeking. The use of the internet has been prevalent since the year 2000 and
the older adults are not left behind in utilizing this resource. There has been
a growing body of research on the use of technology, including the internet,
by older adults. However, there is still limited research on the specific use of
the internet for health information gathering among older adults. The aim of
the study is to explore the potential benefits and ethical implications of
Internet-based information gathering in promoting active ageing, with a
focus on data analytics and visualization as an approach.
The rationale for this study is to analyze the data collected on how the
elderly use the Internet for health information seeking to add more insightful
information to plan an effective policy to support the better use of the
Internet for them in the future.
By exploring this, policymakers can plan effective policies and support the
elderly in better utilizing the internet for their health needs .
The methodology for this study involved a quantitative and analytical
approach to visualizing the data collected on the use of the internet for
health information seeking among older adults. The data obtained from the
National Health Institute (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia survey
conducted in 2017 will serve as the baseline data on the use of the internet
in searching for health information by the elderly. For this study, we will
focus on the data analytics and visualization approach to exploring the
potential benefits and ethical implications of internet-based information
gathering for active ageing among the older adults.
The findings of this study will provide valuable insights into the patterns
and behaviours of older adults in using the internet for health information
seeking. First of all, there are positive indications that the older adults that
use the internet for health information seeking trusts its source and finds it
useful. There is also evidence of active participation in social activities and
also positive behaviours in taking actions upon getting health information
from the internet like making lifestyle changes or seeking medical advice.
The potential benefits of internet-based information gathering for active
ageing are significant. Older adults are motivated to seek health related
information online for a variety of reasons, including being self-reliant,
staying active and productive, making better treatment choices, achieving a
healthier life, valuing a healthy lifestyle, feeling relieved from stress, and
lack of adequate information on health issues. They seek health information
to maintain their independence, participate in decision-making about their
care plan, and to stay healthy and active even in the face of physical limitations. However, this also exposes them to potential risks and ethical
implications. The ethical implications of internet-based information
gathering for active ageing must be carefully considered. For example, there
is a concern about the quality and reliability of the health information
available online which are further discussed in this study. As another
example, privacy concerns arise as older adults may unknowingly share
personal and sensitive information while seeking health information online.
The study also focuses on the importance of addressing ethical implications
and potential risks associated with internet-based information gathering for
active ageing.
In conclusion, exploring the potential benefits and ethical implications of
internet-based information gathering in promoting active ageing is crucial in
order to develop effective policies and programs to support the health and
well-being of older adults.
Description
Keywords
Aging, Adult, Internet, Information Seeking Behavior, Data Analysis