Why Do Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Join a Diabetes Online Community?

Objective: As individuals age, chronic health difficulties may disrupt physical and social well-being. Individuals can turn to online communities to interact with similar peers, which may help buffer negative effects resulting from health difficulties. However, because the specific resources sought remain unclear, the present study investigated the reasons that older adults join a Diabetes Online Community (DOC). Method: We used semantic network analyses to categorize the reasons participants provided for joining during the sign-up process. Results: The most frequent reasons for joining were: to seek information about their health condition, to help with self-management of health difficulties, for feelings of informational and social support, and for having a community with whom to share. Women were more likely to go online for sharing/companionship and information/social support reasons, whereas men were more likely to go online for general information and self-management reasons. Conclusion: This study shows the reasons individuals seek to join a DOC, for increased information and support regarding chronic health difficulties. Practice Implications: Practitioners may want to consider ways to promote access to online communities among their older patients as a source of health information and a resource to provide a sense of community.