information literacy among the elderly€¦ · many existing media lessons are made for classroom...
TRANSCRIPT
Information Literacy
Among the ElderlyPresented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS
Round Rock ISD and
Austin Community College
“It’s funny how so many people
go around staring at their calculators.”
Edward A. Leonard, Ph.D.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Why is internet use
important for seniors?
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Social Isolation and Loneliness
Nearly ⅓ of adults age over 65 who don’t live in a facility,
live alone.
Older women are twice as likely as older men to live alone.
The AARP states that the health effects of prolonged social isolation
are equivalent to smoking fifteen cigarettes per day.
https://www.pexels.com/search/lonely%20senior/https://ioaging.org/aging-in-america; https://healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negativity-affect-heald-for-seniors
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
“Studies show that people lacking social contacts
are more susceptible to diseases, to infarction,
stroke and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. At
the same time it is true that loneliness leads to
social isolation and to lack of exercising, which
itself delays healing processes and speeds up
aging.”
https://joininproject.wordpress.com/
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
*A 2014 Michigan State University study showed
that computer use among retirees reduces the
risk of depression by more than 30%.
*Elderly respondents in study by Educational
Gerentology stated that benefits of internet use
included a sense of connectedness, satisfaction,
utility, and positive learning experiences.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/04/22/seniors-internet-fights-depression/8009059; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248984005_Computer_Internet_and_E-
mail_Use_Among_Older_Adults_Benefits_and_Barriers [accessed Dec 09 2017].
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
A 2-year study in Italy and the UK showed that the elderly
perform better cognitively and experience improved health
when trained in the use of social media, Skype and email.
Participants were given specially designed computer training
and were compared against a control group that did not
receive any training. Among those that used these tools, the
mental and physical capacity improved; without training, the
control group experienced a steady decline.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/anita-kamiel-rn-mps/older-people-social-media_b_9191178.html
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Evidence shows that satisfying basic social needs
can improve overall health.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/anita-kamiel-rn-mps/older-people-social-media_b_9191178.htmlPresented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
34% of Americans ages 65 + use social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter
*higher use among younger seniors, but 20% of those 75+ use
*more common among those who have at least some college experience
*more common among those with annual household income of $50,000+
Which seniors are using the internet?
Anderson, Monica and Andrew Perrin. Barriers to Adoption and Attitudes towards Technology. Rep. Pew Research, 17 May 2017.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
How are seniors using the internet?
http://www.binarytattoo.com/the-new-senior-citizen-is-a-digital-citizen/
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
How are seniors using the internet?
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2014/04/11/why-senior-citizens-use-the-internet/
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Barriers to internet use
Anderson, Monica and Andrew Perrin. Barriers to Adoption and Attitudes towards Technology. Rep. Pew Research, 17 May 2017. Web. 11 Nov. 2017.Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Barriers to internet use
http://www.pewinternet.org/2017/05/17/tech-adoption-climbs-among-older-adults/pi_2017-05-17_older-americans-tech_0-03/Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
A German study focused on the facial expressions and gesticulations of
elderly users in unexpected situations when using the internet found
*participants had “severe problems in solving the tasks on their own”
*many could not find any solution
Participants felt that they were putting out low levels of mental workload;
videography data showed an increased concentration of the participants
during the internet session.
Barriers to internet use
Haesner, Marten, et al. “[Analysis of How Elderly Internet Users React to Unexpected Situations}.”
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie, vol. 48, doi:10.1007/s00391-014-0838-z.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Fitting into Existing Processes
● Many existing media lessons are made for classroom setting, targeted at school age students
● Many seniors significantly molded by years of social conditioning/media messaging; challenge
is to introduce media literacy not as a replacement for their processes but as an enhancement
tool
Unlearning Practiced Behaviors
● Challenge of unlearning socially conditioned norms about the role of news and information;
elderly face the challenge of not only learning media literacy tools but also unlearning what
they have practiced - trusting traditional print media
Barriers to internet use
https://eavi.eu/media-literacy-tools-for-senior-citizens/
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
http://blog.aarp.org/2016/01/07/communities-benefit-from-digital-inclusion/
Barriers to internet use
Per AARP Public Policy Institute:
*an estimated 70 million Americans lack the digital skills/confidence
to use the most useful applications
*30% of those not online say the internet is not relevant to their lives
*30% say the internet is too difficult to use
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Feelings about internet use
58% of adults ages 65 and older say technology has had a
mostly positive impact on society.
Older Americans who use the internet tend to view technology
in a positive light and tend to incorporate digital technology into
their everyday lives.
Anderson, Monica and Andrew Perrin. Barriers to Adoption and Attitudes towards Technology. Rep. Pew Research, 17 May 2017. Web. 11 Nov. 2017.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
http://tinyurl.com/y9lgjbcf
Scams Affecting the Elderly
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2015/scams-and-frauds-to-avoid.html
According to a survey by True Link Financial,
older Americans are criminally defrauded of
$12.76 billion annually.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2016/08/senior_citizens_aren_t_dumb_for_falling_prey_to_cyberscams.html
According to the FBI, seniors are
specifically targeted online because:
They are most like to have a ‘nest egg’
They are most likely to own their own home
They are most likely to have excellent credit
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2016/08/senior_citizens_aren_t_dumb_for_falling_prey_to_cyberscams.html
Also from the FBI:
“People who grew up in the 1930s, 1940s and
1950s were generally raised to be polite and
trusting. Con artists exploit these traits, knowing
that it is difficult or impossible for these
individuals to say ‘no’ or just hang up the
telephone. Con artists view the senior
population as uniquely vulnerable.”
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
https://mdsoar.org/bitstream/handle/11603/3801/UB_2016_Appelt_L.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
According to the Federal Trade Commission,
34% of fraud cases reported in 2014 happened
online, with original contact method happening
*by email in 40% of cases
*by internet/websites in 22% of cases
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
The Scams
Leads 2017 scams targeting
senior citizens.
Close to 2 million people
targeted, with as many as 200
victimized per week during the
scam's peak in 2016.
1,680 people reported to the
Senate Special Committee on
Aging that they were contacted
or fleeced by the scam in
2016.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2017/02/15/here-top-
scams-targeting-senior-citizens/97913682/
In 2015 the FTC charged four
national “cancer charities” with
defrauding consumers of $187
million.
A different ruse: in August
2015 a Miss Pennsylvania U.S.
International Pageant Winner
was arrested after allegedly
claiming she had cancer and
swindling tens of thousands of
dollars from sympathetic
supporters.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2015/scams-and-
frauds-to-avoid.html
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August
2018.
IRS Imposter Cancer Conniver
Using social media, scammers
from gather enough personal info
to use this to get the senior to
open up. The scammer will call,
address the senior as “Grandma”
and ask if they know who it is.
When the grandparent guesses
the name of a grandchild the
scammer most sounds like, the
scammer has established a fake
identity.
http://www.bankrate.com/retirement/8-costly-scams-that-target-
senior-citizens/
Prescription drugs sold online can
be counterfeit, making this scam
extremely dangerous, and
shoppers can be tricked into
purchasing items that won’t help
their medical conditions.
Another scam is to take the
payment and just not deliver the
medications.
http://www.bankrate.com/retirement/8-costly-scams-that-target-
senior-citizens/
Grandkid Needs Help! Prescription DrugsTargeting the Widow
Scammers contact the family and
demand money for a supposed
outstanding debt that the
deceased left behind.
Since May of 2017 EU widows
have been contacted by fake
clairvoyants to provide messages
from beyond; when the widow
demands service or a refund,
they are told they will be cursed.
http://www.bankrate.com/retirement/8-costly-scams-that-target-
senior-citizens/;http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/13/death-
notice-scam-warning-bereaved-people-targeted-turkish-fake/
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
A new type of robocall — an
automated computer system
making tens of thousands of
calls to "build a list of humans
to target for theft," according to
the Financial Fraud Research
Center.
Just answering the phone
opens seniors up to other
phone-based scams.
Scam artists bombard with
hundreds of phone calls from
fake charities and lotteries. In
one case, thieves took small,
automatic withdrawals from a
personal checking account for
a year, stealing approx $2,000
in withdrawals that the victim’s
bank couldn't trace.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2015/scams-and-
frauds-to-avoid.html
Silent Caller Dementia TargetThe Chip Card
Banks & credit card companies
are still in the process of issuing
"chip" cards; con artists
impersonate card issuers and
send emails requesting personal
and financial info, or ask that one
click on a malware-laced link
before being issued a new card.
The cons send emails that
convincingly use reputable logos
and color schemes.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2015/scams-and-
frauds-to-avoid.html
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2015/scams-and-
frauds-to-avoid.html
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018..
Pop-up browser windows
simulating virus-scanning
software will fool victims into
either downloading a fake
anti-virus program or an
actual virus that will open up
whatever information is on
the user’s computer to
scammers.
Through online job sites,
emails and social networking
sites, scammers recruit
innocent job seekers as
"mules" to unknowingly steal or
launder money. They work at
their computers, thinking with a
legitimate business, but in fact
they're moving stolen money
abroad and unwittingly
disguising its true origins.
Fake Anti-Virus Work from HomeFaith-Based Dating
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-cirillo/senior-scams_
b_11766650.html
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-06-2012/
scams-targeting-older-victims.html
OId scam, new twist:
According to the AARP,
scammers are now targeting
faith-based sites like
BigChurch, ChristianMingle,
JDate and others; often
people can’t believe
someone of their own faith is
a criminal.
https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2015/scams-and-frauds-
to-avoid.html
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
How to help a patron who has been scammed
*File a police report. Patron will need a copy of the report when the fraud is
reported to credit companies.
*Close any accounts affected by the scam. Call the banks, explain what
happened and file a fraud report if any transactions were charged to the account.
*File a complaint with the FTC. It helps with fraud investigations by collecting
complaints and sharing them with local police forces, credit companies and
other government agencies.
https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/smart-money/how-to-detect-senior-scams/
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
How to help a patron who has been scammed
*If the scam involved credit card charges, report the fraud to the
three major credit bureaus. It’s the only way to know the fraudulent activity
will be quickly reflected on the account.
*Report any identity theft to the FTC’s Identity Theft website. This includes
new accounts being opened in the senior’s name, charges to current accounts or
false medical services. The FTC offers comprehensive steps to take depending
on how the victim was affected.
https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/smart-money/how-to-detect-senior-scams/Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Ways to help- general
Senior-Friendly Computers
Telekin / WOW!: simplified operating system, large screen, large keys on keyboard, built-in
security
http://laptopstudy.com/best-laptop-for-seniors/
Technology Assistance Products
SeeYouLink: paid service that provides above, but also allows remote access by approved users
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/software-for-seniors_b_1852656.htmlPresented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Ways to help - libraries
American Library Association Outreach Resources for Services to Older Adults
provides toolkits and guidelines for serving this population
Institute of Museum and Library Science provides grants to
provide programming specifically for seniors, based on ongoing assessment of needs
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Private sector companies that are helping the
elderly with info literacy
*Walgreens: early stages of connecting the elderly to their telehealth services provider, for
24/7 access to U.S. board certified doctors
*Airbnb: partnering with communities to research how to better serve
*Uber: pilot program offers tutorials in conjunction with free/discounted rides for senior
Aragones, Pete. "The Importance of Beginner Tech Fluency in Senior Citizens." New York Amsterdam News, vol. 107, no. 52, 22 Dec. 2016, p. 29. EBSCOhost,
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
5 Tips to Identify Scam Emails: https://www.liquidweb.com/blog/5-tips-to-identify-dangerous-spam-emails/
Aging.gov: one-stop resource for families looking to allow seniors to live independent lives
National Council on Aging Tips to Avoid Money Scams https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/money-
management/scams-security/protection-from-scams/
AARP: Interactive videos and webinars about online safety: https://aarptek.aarp.org/online-safety/
Connect Safely (non-profit): The Senior’s Guide to Online Safety
http://www.connectsafely.org/seniors/
Department of Homeland Security: Cyber Tips for Older Americans
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Cybersecurity%20for%20Older%20Americans_0.pdf
Department of Homeland Security: Stop. Think. Connect. Older Americans Presentation
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Older%20Americans%20Presentation.pdf
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
“Many...are guilty of propagating unverified information, such as political gossip
or dubious health tips on social platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, with just
a tap of a button.
Worse, their social media ‘shares’ may not be addressed by those who
know better, leaving such posts to be consumed by those who don't -
propagating a vicious circle.”
A cultural tendency to defer to one's elders, even if they are spreading
wrong information, may be to blame here.
Singapore’s largest newspaper reported a new phenomenon in June of 2017: “Weak Spot
in the Battle - the Elderly Who Spread the Gossip.”
http://www.straitstimes.com/politics/weak-spot-in-the-battle-the-elderly-who-spread-the-gossip
An interesting sidenote…
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
Aragones, Pete. "The Importance of Beginner Tech Fluency in Senior Citizens." New York Amsterdam News, vol. 107, no. 52,
22 Dec. 2016, p. 29. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ulh&AN=120529383&site=ehost-live.
“Aging in America.” Institute on Aging, 2017. https://www.ioaging.org/aging-in-america. Accessed 09 Dec. 2017.
Anderson, Monica and Andrew Perrin. Barriers to Adoption and Attitudes towards Technology. Rep. Pew Research, 17 May 2017. Web. 11
Nov. 2017. http://pewrsr.ch/2qwaLgr
Appelt, Lianne C. et al. “Designing for the Elderly User: Internet Safety Training.” University of Baltimore, 2016.
Cirillo, Anthony. “The Top Scams Targeting Seniors and What to Do About Them.” Huffington Post, 9 Sept. 2016,
www.huffingtonpost.com/anthony-cirillo/senior-scams_+b_11766650.html
Erb, Robin. “Teaching Seniors to Use Internet Cuts Depression Risk.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 22 Apr. 2014,
www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/04/22/seniors-internet-fights-depression/8009059/.
“Introduction to the Join-In Project and Goals.” Join-In Project, 04 Feb 2014. https://joininproject.wordpress.com “Join-In Project.” 14 February
2014, https://joininproject.wordpress.com/. Accessed 09 Dec. 2017.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August
2018..
BIBLIOGRAPHY
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Haesner, Marten, et al. “[Analysis of How Elderly Internet Users React to Unexpected Situations}.”
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie, vol. 48, doi:10.1007/s00391-014-0838-z.
Kirchheimer, Sid. “Five Scams Targeting Older Victims - Cyber Crime - Internet Scams - AARP Ever…” AARP, 20 June, 2012.
www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-06-2012/scams-targeting-older-victims.html.
Kita, Joe. "Top 10 Scams and Frauds You Can Avoid." AARP. AARP, Jan.-Feb. 2016. Web. 11 Nov. 2017. https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-
fraud/info-2015/scams-and-frauds-to-avoid.html
L. Gatto, Susan & Tak, Sunghee. (2008). Computer, Internet, and E-mail Use Among Older Adults: Benefits and Barriers. Educational
Gerontology - EDUC GERONTOL. 34. 800-811. 10.1080/03601270802243697.
“Media Literacy Tools for Senior Citizens.” EAVI, 31 July 2018, https://eavi.eu/media-literacy-tools-for-senior-citizens/.
MPS, Anita Kamiel RN. “A Hot Trend: The Internet, Social Media & The Elderly.” The Huffington Post, TheHuffingtonPost.com, 7 Mar. 2016,
www.huffingtonpost.com/anita-kamiel-rn-mps/older-people-social-media_b_9191178.html.
“The new Senior Citizen is a Digital Citizen.” BinaryTattoo - Define your digital identity, 30 Nov. 2014, www.binarytattoo.com/the-new-senior-
citizen-is-a-digital-citizen/.
Pica, Jacquelyn. “6 Shocking Senior Scams — And How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe.” The Penny Hoarder,
Https://Www.thepennyhoarder.com/, 30 Aug. 2017, www.thepennyhoarder.com/smart-money/how-to-detect-senior-scams/.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Schaub, Hillary. “Why Senior Citizens Use the Internet.” Brookings, Brookings, 29 July 2016,
www.brookings.edu/blog/techtank/2014/04/11/why-senior-citizens-use-the-internet/.
Seegert, Liz. “Social Isolation, Loneliness Negatively Affect Health for Seniors.” Association of Health Care Journalists, 20 Mar. 2017,
healthjournalism.org/blog/2017/03/social-isolation-loneliness-negatively-affect-health-for-seniors/.
“Simplified Computer Software That Can Help Seniors Get Online.” HuffingtonPost.com. 9 September 2002.
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-t-miller/software-for-seniors_b_1852656.html. 15 Aug 2018.
"Top 10 Scams Targeting Seniors." NCOA. National Council on Aging, 20 Oct. 2017. Web. 11 Nov. 2017.
https://www.ncoa.org/economic-security/money-management/scams-security/top-10-scams-targeting-seniors/#intraPageNav5
Webber, Sheila. “Information Literacy Weblog.” Older Persons. 18 May, 2017. http://information-
literacy.blogspot.com/search/label/Older%20persons
Winterton, Jamie. "Senior Citizens Aren’t Dumb for Falling Prey to Cyberscams." Slate Magazine. Slate, 15 Aug. 2016. Web. 11 Nov.
2017.
Unless otherwise noted, images are from Encyclopedia Britannica ImageQuest, Photos for Class and Pixabay.
Presented by: Laura Stiles, MLIS. August 2018.