Development of Theory-based, Online Health Learning Modules for Older Adults

Abstract

Recently, the number of older adult online users has increased rapidly. In 2004, 22% of Americans aged 65 years or older (about 8 million) used the Internet, and 66% of them performed online searches for health information. The Web, therefore, can serve as a useful medium to educate older adults on selected health topics. In this study, the researchers developed four Web-based learning modules related to hip fracture prevention and tested the usability of these modules employing eight older adult online users. The findings from the usability tests demonstrated that the online learning modules were usable to the older adult participants. Additionally, these individuals could acquire health knowledge using these online modules. The important lessons learned through the research process will assist the researchers in conducting further studies in using health Web learning modules for older adults. A further study will be conducted to test the effects of these modules on preventing hip fractures.

Effects of a Social Cognitive Theory-Based Hip Fracture Prevention Web Site for Older Adults

“…The sample size was based upon a power analysis employing effect sizes emanating from prior studies. 25,26 SeniorNet , a leading older adult online community with 30,000 members nationwide, provides older adults with education for and access to computer technologies. The Baltimore Times, a weekly newspaper distributed primarily to the African-American community in Maryland, maintains Baltimore Times Online .…”

Online research in older adults: lessons learned from conducting an online randomized controlled trial

“…We found a number of strategies helpful in achieving participant retention. First, our website was specifically developed to be older adult friendly (Nahm et al, 2006; The National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine, 2002). For example, use of an easy navigation method and large fonts prevented some potential challenges for older adults who may lack Internet skills and be facing changes in vision and memory functions (Nahm et al, 2006).…”

“…For instance, prior findings suggest that many older adults still use a modem to access the Internet (Horrigan, 2008a; Nahm et al, 2006). Thus, when we needed to use video clips, we made an effort to use short segments with transcripts.…”

“…These studies have focused on health behavior change, including web surveys, the development and usability testing of online health interventions, and online randomized controlled clinical trials (RCT) employing older adult online users (Nahm et al, In Press; Nahm et al, 2004; Nahm, Resnick, & Covington, 2006). The purpose of this article is to describe lessons learned from conducting a theory-based online RCT designed to improve older adults' health behaviors focusing on methodological issues and strategies to overcome them.…”

Application of the behaviour change wheel framework to the development of interventions within the City4Age project

“…Previous interventions involving older adults have increased physical activity [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], improved nutrition [10,[14][15][16] and increased general well-being [17]. The rise in ownership, affordability and functionality of mobile devices has created further opportunities for interventions that can be applied to older adults [18].…”