The West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America reports, opens a new window that 25% of Americans have used an AI tool or chatbot for health information or advice. Most often to supplement their healthcare information needs. For example, to be prepared for a doctor's appointment or disseminate information given afterwards. However, there are about 14 million people that are using it in place of seeing a doctor even though AI is still evolving with its accuracy.
Trust in AI-generated health information overall varies however, depending on age and income. Among those who used AI for health information, one-third say they trust it, one-third are neutral about the information (neither trust nor distrust it) and about one-third distrust it.
Reading about this led me to collect some vetted library resources with older adults in particular in mind.
Here are 5 websites with accessible and easy-to-read heath information
National Institute on Aging, opens a new window
- This organization has a wide variety of resources including this article, How to Find Reliable Health Information Online., opens a new window
- Some of their other resources are current articles including recent research, infographics and a browse A-Z health topics section.
- Arapahoe Libraries patrons have access to this database that covers areas of health and wellness, from mainstream medicine, holistic and integrated medicine.
- They have specific topics on medication, environmental and public health, and health of older adults.
National Council on Aging, opens a new window
- This website provides information on prevention and how to manage ongoing health conditions focused on physical and mental health such as mental health, sleep and assessing your fall risks, opens a new window.
Cleveland Clinic's Medical Library
- An independent organization with easy-to-understand information.
- Each entry is written by a team of journalists and subject-matter experts from the Cleveland Clinic, who draw from peer-reviewed journals, scientific textbooks and organizations like the American Medical Association.
HealthyAging.org, opens a new window
- This site is maintained by the American Geriatric Society, opens a new window and provides expert health information for older adults and caregivers.
- Some noted offerings they host on their website are The Health in Aging Cultural Navigator Series addresses the role of race and ethnicity in your health and their thorough information on vaccines.
If you are looking for more health-related information (also known as health literacy), librarians are here to help!
Fill out an Ask A Librarian request to get connected with book lists or help finding specific resources for your information needs.
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