Older Adults and Their Information Seeking

In this qualitative study the author examines the information-seeking behavior of older adults and asks whether the information sources used by participants vary with the role they are performing; whether “young” seniors just entering retirement seek information differently than the “oldest” old; and whether seniors living independently seek information differently than those who live in an institutional setting. The twenty-nine participants interviewed indicated that interpersonal sources together with internally-produced print materials were relied on for the information needed for participation in community clubs and organizations; interpersonal sources to find answers to medical and financial questions; and printed resources for hobby-related information seeking. Findings related to computer use indicated that it is important when discussing older adults to distinguish between different stages of older age.