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Mapping the online and offline health information seeking behavior among older adults: a systematic review

Sadaf Rafiq,Chen Ya,Jiang Wu,Muhammad Waqas

Published 2025 in Aslib Journal of Information Management

ABSTRACT

PurposeAs life expectancy increases globally, older adults are seeking health information to manage their well-being. However, the advent of digital technologies has significantly transformed the patterns of health information seeking behavior (HISB) among older adults. Therefore, the intent of this study is to comprehensively synthesize and analyze the evidence from existing research on the online and offline HISB of older adults to assess their preferred sources and the numerous factors which affect their behavior to seek health information.Design/methodology/approachTo conduct the systematic review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a comprehensive search strategy using Boolean operators and truncation technique was performed in six databases to extract the data published between January 2000 and December 2023 under the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Bibliometric analysis was employed to reveal the research trends, keyword occurrences, authors’ collaboration network, most prominent journals, countries and methodologies. A thematic analysis was carried out to synthesize the knowledge on online and offline HISB of the older adults.FindingsA total of 55 peer-reviewed articles fulfilled the established inclusion criteria, with the majority of studies conducted in the United States and China, employing quantitative research methodologies. The results revealed that the theoretical grounding of health information seeking (HIS) is limited. The older adults preferred the internet as an online source of HIS, while friends/acquaintances, family members and doctors served as traditional (offline) sources of HIS. Moreover, the studies indicated that technological, intrapersonal and demographic factors prominently influence their online and offline HISB, suggesting that there is a significant need to improve the older adults’ abilities to obtain and critically evaluate the health information.Originality/valueThis systematic review offers valuable insights for a variety of stakeholders. Researchers can utilize the amalgamation of past work to identify gaps and develop new research agendas. Health organizations and policymakers gain practical guidance to better support older adults health needs through programs and policies. Digital platform developers can have insights to engage older users and meet their information needs. Healthcare providers can increase understanding beyond clinical care.

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