The use of technology in healthcare has been established. Now people may schedule visits, track physical activity using a watch, receive reminders regarding medications, and correspond with healthcare providers without going to the clinic.
However, technology may benefit seniors more than other groups – but only if it is convenient for them.
Digital health does not mean that doctors should be replaced by technology; it means the use of technology to facilitate specific aspects of healthcare and healthy living.
What Is Digital Health?
Digital health refers to the use of technology to support health and healthcare.
Examples include:
Telehealth appointments
Health and fitness apps
Smartwatches and fitness trackers
Electronic health records
Online appointment systems
Medication reminder apps
Remote health monitoring
Digital health education
Online communication with healthcare providers
According to the World Health Organization, digital health is an integral aspect of contemporary healthcare systems, and digital technologies ought to ensure equity of access to quality healthcare services.
Why Digital Health Matters as We Age
For individuals as they age, remaining engaged in healthcare and being independent becomes crucial.
Digital technology can assist in managing daily activities like appointment reminder, activity tracking, and communication with family members and healthcare providers.
For instance, an older person who faces challenges traveling too often can utilize a suitable telemedicine service for some consultations.
Nonetheless, every health condition cannot be treated using digital means.
Physical examination, test results, or urgent intervention could need to be conducted face-to-face.
1. Telehealth Can Reduce Unnecessary Travel
Telehealth allows healthcare professionals to communicate with patients using digital technology.
Depending on the service and medical situation, this can involve:
Video consultations
Telephone appointments
Secure messaging
Remote monitoring
This can be helpful for some elderly people because this will lessen their problem of going to a healthcare center.
This will be very helpful for those follow-ups where the patient does not need any physical examination.
According to the National Institute on Aging, telehealth is helpful for some elderly people who have access to technology and know how to use it.
2. Wearable Devices Can Track Activity
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are able to track data including:
Steps
Physical activity
Heart rate
Sleep patterns
Exercise duration
Additional features related to health care are present in some of the gadgets.
The data gathered from these devices can make people more conscious about their physical activity.
For instance, a person who has been spending all day at his or her desk would see that he or she is making too few steps and would try to move more.
Nevertheless, data provided by a wearable gadget cannot be considered a diagnosis per se.
If you get an unusual result, consult a doctor.
3. Medication Reminders Can Be Helpful
Taking several medications can make routines complicated.
A smartphone, tablet or dedicated medication reminder can help someone remember when it is time to take a prescribed medicine.
Some systems can provide:
Reminder notifications
Medication schedules
Refill reminders
Records of doses
But the technology should assist, not replace the instructions that are given to you by a healthcare professional.
In case you are confused about medication and/or dosage, you should consult your doctor/pharmacist.
4. Technology Can Help Older Adults Stay Connected
Health aging is not only about good physical health.
Relationships are also important.
The following technologies can be used by elderly people to remain connected with:
Children
Grandchildren
Friends
Community groups
Healthcare providers
This may prove especially useful when members of a family reside in different cities or even countries.
Technology cannot substitute for interpersonal relationships; it can, however, facilitate their maintenance.
5. Digital Health Can Support Independence
Some technologies are designed to help older adults manage daily life more independently.
Examples include:
Emergency alert systems
Smart home devices
Voice assistants
Digital calendars
Medication reminders
Health monitoring devices
For instance, an auditory assistant can enable a person who has difficulty moving around to create reminders or call their relatives without having to use any complicated technology.
Sometimes, the best technology is the one that helps solve a particular problem without posing any further problems.
The Digital Divide Is Still a Problem
Not every older adult has equal access to digital healthcare.
Barriers can include:
Limited internet access
Cost of devices
Poor digital skills
Vision or hearing difficulties
Physical disabilities
Complicated software
Privacy concerns
Lack of technical support
WHO stresses the significance of digital inclusiveness in health care to avoid aggravating disparities through technology use.
In other words, the designers and providers of digital health technologies should take accessibility into consideration.
How to Make Technology Easier for Older Adults
If you're helping an older family member use digital health tools, don't assume they will understand everything immediately.
Try to:
Start With One Tool
Don't introduce five different apps at once.
Start with the tool that solves the most important problem.
Use Simple Instructions
Write down the steps in plain language.
For example:
1. Open the app.
2. Tap “Appointments.”
3. Select today's appointment.
4. Tap “Join.”
Make Text Easier to Read
Increase font size and screen contrast when necessary.
Keep Important Contacts Accessible
Make sure the person knows how to contact their doctor, pharmacist, caregiver or family member.
Be Patient
Learning technology takes time, particularly if someone hasn't used smartphones or computers regularly.
Protecting Personal Health Information
Digital health also raises privacy questions.
Health information can be highly personal, so older adults should be careful about which websites and apps they use.
Before entering health information into an unfamiliar service, check:
Who operates the service
What information it collects
How the information is used
Whether data is shared with third parties
Whether you can delete your information
Avoid sending sensitive medical information through random websites or unverified applications.
Technology Should Complement Healthcare
The most common mistake would be thinking that an application or a wearable gadget can replace medical services of healthcare professionals.
A smartwatch may read certain signs.
An application may provide information.
A video call may help you consult a healthcare professional.
However, there are some limitations.
If you have strange symptoms, it is better to visit a doctor instead of asking an application to explain your problem.
A Simple Digital Health Setup for Older Adults
You don't need an expensive collection of gadgets.
A basic setup could include:
Smartphone or tablet
↓
Healthcare provider contact information
↓
Medication/appointment reminders
↓
Health or activity tracking if useful
↓
Video calling for family and healthcare services
↓
Emergency contacts
The goal is not to use as much technology as possible.
The goal is to use the right technology for the person's needs.
Final Thoughts
The field of digital health could make certain aspects of aging simpler through keeping older individuals in touch, scheduling their appointments, measuring their physical activity and communicating with healthcare specialists.
However, technology would be most effective if it is accessible, comprehensible and applied in conjunction with professional healthcare services.
In relation to families, the best advice that can be given is to assist older family members to choose technological solutions that will solve particular problems instead of giving them lots of unnecessary gadgets and applications.
Digital health is not about applying more technology; it is about applying technology appropriately.