Thursday, August 30, 2012

New Study of Older Adult Internet Use

 The Pew Internet and American Life Project has published a new report called "Older Adults and Internet Use". This report was based on a telephone survey of 2,254 adults in April 2012, which asked about American's use of the internet. Here are some of the highlights of the report which concern older adults:
  • 53% of Americans age 65+ use the internet or email 
  • Of those Seniors who go online, 70% use the internet on a typical day.
  • Only 34% of adults age 75+ use the internet 
  • 69% of adults age 65+ own a cell phone
  • 34% of internet users age 65+ use Facebook or other social networking sites (this is quite an increase - since only 13% used these sites in 2009).
  • 11% own an e-book reader
  • 8% own a tablet
You can read the full report here.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Medicare Website Redesigned

The Medicare website has been redesigned to be easier to navigate. There are now links on the home page to help you:
  • replace a lost Medicare card
  • find a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan
  • get help with health care costs
  • find out if a test, item, or service is covered
  • see the official mail you get from Medicare
  • read the "Medicare & You" handbook online
A Medicare press release states that users can also access this information using mobile devices, such as tablets and smart phones. Click here to see the new design.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

National Immunization Awareness Month

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. The Administration on Aging reported that  influenza and pneumonia were the seventh leading causes of death among people age 65 and older in 2010. According to CDC data, 63.6% of individuals aged 65 and above received an influenza vaccination in 2010, but only 41% of adults aged 50-64 years received this vaccination. You can find out about recommended vaccines by clicking here for a CDC chart with recommendations based on age.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

The July/Aug Issue of the Elder Update is available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes articles about:
  • daily deal websites
  • cyber self-defense - secureflorida.org
  • Florida Hardest-Hit Program
  • hearing loss
  • Florida practitioner (physician) information 
  • boating safety
You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

On Guard for Seniors Website

 The state of Florida has launched a new website to educate older adults about a variety of consumer-related topics including how to avoid scams and fraud.  This website is called "On Guard for Seniors". This website has information about annuities, reverse mortgages, long-term care, and how to avoid identity theft. There is also a section on consumer alerts, which lists common scams which target older adults.  In addition, there are example stories about how the Florida Division of Consumer Services was able to help resolve consumer problems. For more information, click here.