A Systematic Literature Review on Health Information Sharing Among Older Adults

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to synthesize the findings of existing studies on the sharing of health information among older adults. This SLR follows the PRISMA model to provide an extensive analysis of the practices of health information sharing among older adults. This review synthesizes the results of the searches in Google Scholar, Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus databases that investigated the purpose to share health related information, technologies used, and challenges faced by older adults in sharing their health information. Most of the studies emphasize that the elderly use computers, mobile phones, and social media apps to discuss their health issues with doctors and families. However, there are challenges like technology constraints, people’s resistance to technology, and lack of funds that hinder information sharing. Moreover, the study shows the variety of technologies used by older people, indicating the necessity for more individualized approaches to the development of interventions. Subsequent studies should focus on tackling these barriers with the help of specific interventions and creating effective technology designs that would enhance the accessibility of healthcare services for elderly people. By bridging the digital divide and enhancing access to technology, stakeholders can foster a more equitable healthcare system that empowers older adults to actively engage in health information sharing, ultimately improving their health outcomes and overall well-being.