About Web Resource Ratings
There is a lot of health information or "Web Resources" freely available on the internet. A Web Resource is any item you find online that you can watch, read, listen to, or interact with, such as videos, fact sheets and online quizzes. Many resources are consumer-friendly, but it's often difficult to know which ones have credible information, based on scientific research. Web Resource Ratings do the homework for you, assessing the quality of health information available online and presenting our assessment using a 5-star rating scale.
There are three stages of Web Resource Rating:
- Assessing inclusion of websites
Websites we include must be:
- Not directly funded by a company trying to sell you a product or service
- Relevant to optimal aging
- Intended for citizens, or include content intended for citizens
- Free access
- Assessing inclusion of Web Resources from included websites
Web Resources we review must be:- Not directly funded by a company trying to sell you a product or service
- Relevant to optimal aging
- Intended for citizens
- Less than 5 years of age
- Assessing quality of included Web Resources
Web Resources are rated for quality with three criteria:- Evidence-based: Is this information reliable, based on scientific research?
- Transparency: Is it clear who developed the resource and how?
- Usability: Is the information easy to understand and easy to use?
Each Web Resource Rating also provides a summary of the content, including any information that you can act on related to optimal aging.
If you cannot find a website or Web Resource Rating that you are looking for, check out our list of excluded websites. If you still can’t find it, let us know; we may be rating it now!
Recent Web Resource Ratings
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Keep on Your Feet—Preventing Older Adult Falls
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Falls are common in older adults and can result in injuries and hospitalizations. Speaking to your doctor, getting your eyes and feet checked and staying active can help to prevent falls. Making your home safe by removing hazards and instaling rails and lights can also help to prevent falls. Read this resource to learn more. -
Preventing elder abuse
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)There are many types of elder abuse. Elder abuse is a serious problem in the USA and can lead to physical injuries, emotional effects, premature death and worsened health problems. Read this resource to learn more about elder abuse and tips to prevent it. -
Stay Independent
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Preventing falls is an important part of staying independent. Somethings you can do are speeking with your doctor, keeping active, getting annual eye exams, and making your home safer. Use this resource to determine your risk for falling. -
Family Caregivers: Protect Your Loved Ones from Falling
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Falls can be prevented. Caregivers can help prevent falls that can lead to injuries, loss of independence, or even death. Caregivers should talk to their loved ones and their healthcare providers about fall risks and prevention. Read this resource to learn more tips for caregivers to prevent falls. -
Are Your Medicines Increasing Your Risk of a Fall or Car Crash?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)As you age, your body processes medicine differently. Some common side effects of medicine include changes in vision, slower reaction time, and tiredness, which can lead to difficulties when driving. Read this resource to learn about common medications which can cause problems when driving. -
Ageing and Health
WHO AgeingThe number and proportion of older people is increasing in the world. Healthy aging in influenced by one's life style and environment. Countries need to make sue their health and social systems are able to accomodate the increasing number of older people.
Understanding our star rating system
Each Web Resource is rated using a star system on a scale from 0-5. The more stars, the higher the quality with 5 being the maximum. These ratings are weighted to favour content that is informed by scientific research evidence, followed by transparency in its creation and ease of use. When you search for Web Resource Ratings on a particular topic, the ones with the highest ratings are presented first.
Our raters
Staff working on the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal conduct the assessments of the resources. Two staff members independently rate each resource and come to an agreement on its rating. Any disagreements in ratings are discussed until consensus is reached.
DISCLAIMER: Web Resource Ratings are provided for informational purposes only and to facilitate discussions with your healthcare providers, family members, or informal care givers. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professionals. The Portal is not responsible for the content of external websites, nor is it an endorsement of that website or the site’s owners (or their products/services). The Web Resource Ratings may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (Send email to Portal).
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About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
