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NIA offers lesson plan so seniors can learn how to Google

EHR Connection, December 3, 2007

p>The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has developed a free training curriculum to help people who work with older adults teach them how to find reliable health information online, according to a November 27 NIA press release.

Surveys show that most older adults use the Internet to find health and medical information, but because only 34% of people 65 and older are online, many are missing out on valuable information.

"Research has shown that age is no hindrance to computer or Internet use. But proper training is important to build computer confidence and Internet skills in older people," said Richard J. Hodes, MD , NIA director. "This training program is designed to open up the Internet to older adults who want to know more about the health issues facing them as they age."

Instructors at public libraries, senior centers, community colleges, and lifelong learning centers can use the curriculum to teach older adults how to find accurate, current online health information on their own. NIA developers used cognitive aging and vision research in designing the course and field-tested the materials with older adults and instructors in computer classes.

"The Toolkit for Trainers," developed by the NIA and the National Library of Medicine (NLM), includes lesson plans, student handouts, Web searching exercises, illustrated glossaries, and suggestions for arranging a senior-friendly classroom. The NIA and NLM are components of the National Institutes of Health.

Click here to read the press release.

Click here to download "The Toolkit for Trainers."

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