Training to use smart tablets to access reliable online health information in older adults’ post-pandemic: A focused pilot intervention study

•Few studies examined appropriate training methods for older adults to use smart tablets to access reliable health information.•Little research specifically on older adults in terms of accessibility and digital literacy.•Future research needed to create interventions that are tailor-made to address barriers, including providing access to smart technology devices and reliable health information. Older adults are becoming more accepting and interested in using digital technologies, but difficulties and barriers remain for accessing reliable health-related information. The purpose of this focused pilot intervention study was to: (1) understand older adults’ firsthand experiences and challenges while using smart tablets post-COVID-19 pandemic, and (2) gather suggestions for age-appropriate training materials, preference of training materials, and resources to access reliable online health information. A focused pilot intervention study that involved training older adults to use smart tablets followed by focus group of a convenience sample of 13 older adults (65–85 years old; 91.6% female) on their experiences of using smart tablets. Thematic analysis revealed three themes: tablets are convenient to access online information and older adults reported technical, security concerns, emotional and cognitive challenges regarding use of smart tablets. Older adults also requested one-on-one support, assistance, and topic specific learning for future training sessions. Future studies should focus on providing detailed, clear instructions at an acceptable pace for older adults.