A comparative analysis of Internet health information use between Canadian baby boomers and older adults

This thesis will compare age differences of Internet use and Internet health information use between Canadian baby boomers and older adults. Specifically, it will examine current patterns relating to Internet use for the purpose of accessing health information, comparing baby boom aged persons with those in older age groups. Using the 2005 Canadian Internet Use Survey and the 2000 General Social Survey, patterns related to Internet use and Internet health information use will be explored, including: access, frequency, location, types of health searches performed and health sites visited, barriers to Internet use, privacy concerns about using the Internet, and a selection of demographic and socio-economic factors. Significantly higher rates of Internet use and accessing health information on the Internet were found for the baby boomers compared to older adults. A number of different predictors were uncovered for the various age group comparisons. Theoretical implications and policy recommendations are also discussed.