Published: ​April 8, 2020
The Bottom Line
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A lot of people are experiencing stress and anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), which can be exacerbated by a ton of information circulating on media and social networks.
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Interventions to correct misinformation should provide coherent explanations that describe what really happened and why it happened.
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Develop your critical thinking skills by asking key questions to determine if information is trustworthy.
Misinformation (sometimes referred as “fake news”) is not a new phenomenon. That said, older adults are particularly vulnerable to misinformation. A study conducted in the United States revealed that Internet users over the age of 65 tend to relay more false information on social networks than younger users.
At a time when fake news is going viral, how can we fight misinformation?
The McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (mcmasteroptimalaging.org), a unique online health resource created by McMaster University to support the healthy aging of Canada’s older adult population, is highlighting ways to stay active and engaged while practicing physical distancing during the current COVID-19 pandemic.​ Read more.
