The role of information in successful aging: The case for a research focus on the oldest old

There are gaps in research regarding the role of information in successful aging as well as concerning the information-seeking behavior of the “oldest old” (those aged 85+). This article encourages researchers in library and information science (LIS) to consider undertaking research to fill these gaps. It therefore addresses issues about the importance of the oldest age group; aging theories, including those specific to successful aging; available theories from the field of human information behavior; prior research about the information needs of the oldest old and source use (including the Internet); and the role that information might play in whether or not people are aging successfully.