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I was frustrated to learn that the apparent lack of access to pertinent health information is a symptom of a greater problem 55+ population. The idea of being ‘older and wiser’ may be true in terms of life-experience but the speed and methods of information that is dispensed today, particularly in areas of health and wellness is at a quicker rate than ever. This information gap seems to be emanating from a generational digital divide and intimidation of the current computer and internet technology as was indicated in a recent study in France as well as a Pew report below.

65+ are the most under-served age group for important medical info online

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Everyday there are new health breakthroughs especially in the areas of longevity and aging. It’s at the point now where access to vital information is no longer a luxury, but an absolute necessity. For example, because of a terminal lung-disorder, my father-in-law was able to participate in an experimental drug trial for a new medication that my husband found out about only after  researching it on the web. It seemed to me that his pulmonologist would have known about this first, however even many doctors, especially older ones are at risk of being caught in this information gap.

The solution starts with helping older adults with computer literacy.  A trend towards “reverse mentoring” is being implemented in some workplaces such as GE, HP and Cisco. This method allows older adults, in this case, executives or older workers to team up with younger adults to be ‘tutored’ in recent technologies and social media among other things. This method can extend into the retirement population as community centers are now offering classes and workshops in everything from computer literacy to how to use smartphones.  There are now online resources for the rest of us in helping our older family members and friends in getting up to speed on these devices.

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Those of us with this valuable knowledge can help close the ‘digital divide’ that may exist for many older adults we care for. It can have life-saving consequences and result in a better quality of life.  Case in point:  my father-in-law was not only able to connect with and participate in that clinical trial, he helped advance the research necessary toward pending FDA approval for this much awaited medication.  Furthermore, he found his condition was nearly halted by the success of the drug and now he’s able to enjoy more time with his family and silly pics of the grandkid’s via email.

Happy Birthday, Green Options!

Green Options, that community of superheroes dedicated to environmental resources, education, and discussion, doesn’t have to fly around the Earth at an incredible speed, reversing our rotation and sending us back in time to make our reality better, cleaner and, most importantly, more sustainable. No, what the team at Green Options has been doing for us, while our beautiful planet revolves normally in the vastness of the universe for the past year, is combine together the expertise of a diverse group of talented individuals who are committed to ecology in the broadest sense.

There are many people to appreciate in the one-year-old GO project- from Publisher David Anderson and Senior Editor Jeff McIntire-Strasburg to the many blog writers and podcasters who activate their growing readership in amazing (and interesting) ways. The robust, link-layered posts bring us from our home garden to science class to Wall Street to the White House, with an eye toward internationalgreen trends, too. Don’t forget the kids on this trip!