Study Examines How Older Adults in Estonia Seek Health Information
Marianne Paimre recently completed her doctoral research at Tallinn University’s School of Digital Technologies, focusing on how individuals aged 50 and above look for health information in Estonia. Her work also explored which sources they trust and the factors influencing their information-seeking behavior.
The findings indicated that the ability to find and use health information is closely tied to a person’s education, digital skills, and online habits. Those with greater resources and experience are generally more successful in locating relevant information and applying it to their health decisions.
Paimre’s research is available in the ETERA digital library of the Tallinn University Academic Library. She emphasizes a key point: “It is often assumed that the internet gives everyone equal access to health information, but this is not the case. Access to information doesn’t guarantee understanding. The main challenge lies not in the availability of information, but in the ability to evaluate and utilize it effectively.”
The study revealed that doctors remain the most trusted source of health information for many. While the internet serves as a supplementary resource, particularly before medical consultations, numerous respondents confessed that they struggle to determine the reliability of online information. This situation raises concerns, as people may be seeking guidance but cannot always distinguish credible scientific advice from misleading content. As a result, despite advancements in digital technology and increased access to information, health disparities could widen if individuals are unable to critically assess what they find online.
