Older adults often face unique challenges when searching for health information online, especially when managing chronic conditions. Our health concerns can be complex, and the internet, including social media platforms, is flooded with articles, videos, and posts—some credible and some not. The danger of misinformation is significant, especially when making decisions about the management of your health.

The CRAAP Test: How to Identify the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

No, I’m not talking about Cologuard! The CRAAP Test is a commonly used tool to assess the quality of online sources, particularly for health information.

• Currency: The information should be up to date; check the publication date. Reliable health resources are regularly reviewed and updated, with the most recent update or review date clearly posted. And, If links are broken, the site may not be well-maintained.

• Relevance: The site should be easy to navigate and provide information that meets your needs.

• Authority: Who is the author or publisher? Are they credible? Reliable websites clearly state who is responsible for the content.

• Accuracy: Sources should be documented. Research-based information should be distinguished from opinions or advice.

• Purpose: The site’s intent should be clear and free of bias. Be cautious of sites selling products or promoting personal beliefs over science. Watch for exaggerated claims like “This simple trick cures cancer” or “Lose 30 pounds in a week.” If ads or sponsored content dominate the page, the information may be biased or influenced by commercial interests.

Finding Accurate Health Information Online

Websites ending in .edu, .org, or .gov are often more trustworthy than commercial (.com) sites, as they are less likely to be influenced by profit motives. Some of the most reliable health information comes from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Recently, however, content on some of the NIH sites has become politicized leading to the potential removal of information important for the health and welfare of the public. A highly reliable government health site is MedlinePlus (https://medlineplus.gov), a service of the National Library of Medicine; to date the information remains accurate and appropriate.

If you are concerned about internet disinformation, there are many excellent sites that have been developed by universities, health systems and foundations, including for example:

• KidsHealth(https://kidshealth.org) – Advice on children's health, behavior, and growth from birth through the teen years.

• Family Doctor – Medical advice from the American Academy of Family Physicians.

• Mayo Clinic Health Library

• Cleveland Clinic Health Library

• National Council on Aging - Aging Well

• HealthInAging – Expert health information from the American Geriatrics Society.

These are just some of the organizations you can trust for accurate and up-to-date health information!

AI: A New Tool for Health Management

Artificial Intelligence can help you find health information quickly by summarizing complex topics, offering easy-to-understand explanations, and providing personalized insights. It can also sift through vast amounts of data, highlight reliable sources, and generate questions to ask your healthcare providers. AI is increasingly shaping healthcare, making the system more efficient and reliable. AI can assist with:

• Health Education: Providing in-depth information on conditions, medications, and medical procedures.

• Personalized Wellness Plans: Creating fitness and nutrition plans tailored to your individual needs.

• Mental Health Support: Offering relaxation techniques, journaling prompts, and cognitive behavioral therapy exercises.

• Provider Communication: Generating questions for doctor visits and clarifying treatment instructions.

• Health Tracking: Apps like Apple Health and Google Fit can monitor metrics such as blood pressure and activity levels, offering insights and reminders. For example, an app might recommend lifestyle changes based on trends in your heart rate or suggest reminders to take medication.

Using AI—Real-Life Examples

I have type 2 diabetes and follow a mostly plant-based diet. I asked ChatGPT to create a one-week meal plan tailored to my diagnosis and preferences. In less than a minute, I had a detailed plan with recipes and nutritional analysis, along with additional diabetes management tips.

A friend experiencing worsening symptoms from a movement disorder asked me for guidance. I entered her diagnosis and current treatment into AI, which quickly provided a summary of her condition and a note that treatment guidelines had recently changed significantly—something she hadn’t known. Further online research confirmed the information was current, and AI even suggested specialists in her area.

Last year I had an MRI of my cervical spine and received a copy of the report through my patient portal. The diagnosis was “Severe C3-C4 spondylotic cord compression from broad-based posterior disc bulge and thickened ligamentum flavum. No myelomalacia at this level.” Even though I’m a physician, I did not understand most of the jargon or its implication. ChatGPT gave me a breakdown in simple terms and explained what the diagnosis means for me personally. It offered to outline next steps and treatment options!

A Word of Caution

AI can be a helpful tool for accessing health information, but it’s not always accurate; it’s important to verify details with trusted sources and consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions. Unlike healthcare professionals, AI lacks human empathy and nuanced judgment, making it unreliable for complex or personalized medical concerns. Rather than replacing medical expertise, you should use AI as a complement to professional advice.

You can find a list of recommended websites that have current and reliable health information here.