Information-seeking behaviour of the Egyptian elderly

What is it about?

The purpose of this study is to investigate the information-seeking behaviour of the Egyptian elderly, including their information needs. A sample of 63 elderly people living in care homes was taken. It was divided into five focus groups. Of the 63 elderly people, 40 were men (63.5%) and 23 women (36.5%). Almost half (47.6%) ranged in aged from 61 to 70. About a quarter (23%) of them held a high school diploma. The highest percentage (28.6%) was labeled as average-income people. The highest percentage (60.3%) was also found to be widows or widowers. The types of information used most by the Egyptian elderly related to physical, medical/health, social, rational, and recreational needs. Their information sources varied between formal and informal sources. Nearly two-thirds (63.5%) of them showed that limited knowledge, lack of interest, poor information awareness, aging, loneliness, and health problems were the most significant obstacles they faced when seeking information.

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Why is it important?

Significantly, this study is one of the few studies at the local and Arab levels that is concerned with this age group. The findings of this study may create awareness about the information needs of elderly people in Egypt among those interested in the elderly, as well as decision-makers.

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