Digital Adoption Soars Among Older Adults Post-Pandemic
JAMA Network Open
|
Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
A recent study examining the use of digital health technologies (DHT) among older adults in the U.S. found that 81.4% of participants aged 50 to 80 reported engaging with technologies such as patient portals and telehealth services. Conducted in August 2021 via the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the survey of 2,110 respondents identified that factors like gender, age, education, and income played significant roles in DHT adoption, with certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black respondents, showing notable engagement. However, the study also pointed out that many older adults face challenges, including physical and cognitive limitations, that may affect their technology use.