The ability to navigate health information online becomes increasingly critical as digital platforms replace traditional medical gatekeepers, yet new evidence reveals a troubling vulnerability among those who need reliable health guidance most. Digital trace data spanning four weeks of online behavior exposes a stark age-related pattern in how health misinformation spreads through social networks. The investigation tracked real-time sharing patterns across age demographics, documenting how adults over 65 distribute low-quality health content at significantly higher rates than their younger counterparts. This occurs despite older adults typically having more healthcare experience and stronger relationships with medical providers. The research methodology captured authentic digital behavior rather than self-reported surveys, providing unprecedented insight into actual information-sharing patterns. Several factors appear to drive this phenomenon. Older adults often lack the digital literacy skills to quickly assess source credibility, verify claims through cross-referencing, or recognize sophisticated misinformation tactics that exploit health anxieties. Their social media networks frequently contain peers sharing similar concerns about aging, creating echo chambers where questionable health advice circulates unchallenged. Additionally, this demographic shows greater trust in content that appears authoritative or aligns with pre-existing beliefs about natural remedies or medical establishment skepticism. The implications extend beyond individual health decisions. When older adults share misinformation, they often reach family members who may defer to their perceived wisdom and experience, amplifying the spread across generations. This represents a significant public health challenge, particularly as telemedicine and online health resources become standard care delivery methods. The findings suggest urgent need for targeted digital literacy interventions specifically designed for older adults, focusing on source verification skills rather than general technology training.