Good Digital Health Tools For Seniors Must Have These 2 Traits, Researchers Say

Digital health tools, such as apps or online health services, won't be useful for adults unless they're easy to use and available 24/7, new analysis shows.

The study adds to a growing body of research examining potential barriers or limitations to the use of assistive technology by older adults, even as use has increased since the pandemic.

The study's recommendations may benefit older adults and caregivers who want to increase the use of digital communication among residents, caregivers, and physicians.

While the research includes clinical advice and more general health information under the broad umbrella of "telehealth," the research focuses on the latter: how adults can use digital tools to improve their health and lead healthier lives.

"Although telemedicine interventions for prevention and health promotion can help older adults manage and improve their health, research has shown that their actual implementation and use is low and inconsistent," the study authors write.

Researchers recommend involving older adults themselves in the development of apps and other telemedicine tools to avoid learning later if the tablet or app is too complex or difficult to use.

The idea that older adults need special digital interfaces because of physical or cognitive challenges is not new. Many doctors express concern that some telemedicine tools are difficult to use and even dangerous.

However, a distinct suggestion from the review is that digital tools introduce a more social element, such as peer-to-peer interaction on the platform and the ability for family members to communicate with loved ones.

The telehealth study used data from Australia; Telemedicine use in the United States has also declined from its peak during the pandemic, use remains high in long-term care facilities, and Congress is considering expanding permanent telemedicine options for Medicare beneficiaries.

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