Most Adults Aged 50 to 80 in the United States Use Digital Health Technologies
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that most adults aged 50 to 80 in the United States are now using digital health technologies (DHTs), with patient portals leading adoption rates.
Adoption Rates and Disparities
The analysis, based on data from over 2,100 participants and conducted by University of Michigan and Veteran Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, also revealed significant disparities in usage driven by race, income, education, and geography.
Demographic Factors
The study found 81 percent of older adults reported using at least one form of DHT, including telehealth services (49%) and mobile health apps (44%).
While younger participants in the 50 to 59 age range were more likely to adopt these tools than those aged 60 and older, gender also played a role, with women outpacing men in usage.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities
However, the findings also uncovered concerning racial and ethnic disparities: Just 11% of Black respondents and 12% of Hispanic respondents reported using DHTs, compared to 70% of white respondents.
Researchers attributed the gap to factors like medical mistrust, language barriers, and systemic inequities.
Socioeconomic Factors
Socioeconomic factors further shaped adoption patterns. Older adults with higher incomes and educational attainment were more likely to engage with digital health tools, while those with annual incomes below $60,000 showed significantly lower usage rates.
Urban residents were also ahead of their rural counterparts, where limited broadband access remains a challenge.
Conclusion
The study highlights the need to carefully consider the unique characteristics of older adults when developing and deploying DHTs to avoid worsening the digital divide. Addressing these gaps is critical for improving healthcare outcomes, with expanding access to DHTs helping empower older adults to take a more active role in managing their health, enhance preventative care, and support aging in place.
FAQs
Q: What percentage of older adults reported using at least one form of DHT?
A: 81 percent of older adults reported using at least one form of DHT.
Q: Which demographic group was more likely to adopt digital health tools?
A: Women were more likely to adopt digital health tools than men.
Q: What were the main factors contributing to the racial and ethnic disparities in DHT usage?
A: Medical mistrust, language barriers, and systemic inequities were the main factors contributing to the racial and ethnic disparities in DHT usage.
Q: What is the significance of expanding access to DHTs for older adults?
A: Expanding access to DHTs can help empower older adults to take a more active role in managing their health, enhance preventative care, and support aging in place.
