When creating a search string it's best to think of a comprehensive set of related terms.
For example terms related to 'elderly' :
elder* (use an asterisk to search for various forms of the word)
aged
"older persons" (use quotes to search for multiple words together as a term)
geriatric
senior citizen
old
To add on other search topics use the word 'AND', use the word 'OR' between all the related terms
For example, here is a comprehensive search string :
(elder OR aged OR "older persons" OR geriatric OR "senior citizen*" OR old*) AND (hypertension OR "high blood pressure") AND ("health literacy" OR "health communication" OR "consumer health" OR "community health" OR "community care")
Using the Advanced Search Option
If you use the basic search construct your search string like an algebraic math equation like this: ((elder OR aged OR "older persons" OR geriatric OR "senior citizen*" OR old*) AND (hypertension OR "high blood pressure") AND ("health literacy" OR "health communication" OR "consumer health" OR "community health" OR "community care"))
But when starting a search it may be best to depend on the multiple boxes in the advanced search like this search in Articles+:
Saving Articles & Citation Management
When using Articles+, take advantage of the saved folder option
Run a Search and look to the right corner of the record
Use Refworks to save your citations and create reference lists
Google Scholar Tips
If you plan to use Google Scholar, access it through the Penn Library website
Navigate to Databases column and click on Connect to Resource
Go to Google Scholar Settings to add Refworks as export option
