JAMA Medical News
Older Adults’ Use of Digital Health Technology
Feb 7, 2025
Cornelius James, MD, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Michigan, shares insights on the surprising adoption of digital health technologies by older adults. He challenges societal biases about seniors' tech engagement and discusses how patient portals enhance access to healthcare. The conversation explores the digital health divide faced by rural and low-income groups, the importance of in-person care, and how healthcare providers can support older patients in navigating technology. AI's role in improving healthcare experience is also highlighted.
16:41
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- A significant 80% of older adults engage with digital health technologies, highlighting their growing comfort with managing health digitally.
- Barriers such as internet access disparities reveal complex usage patterns, particularly among rural populations and marginalized communities in healthcare.
Deep dives
Understanding Digital Health Technology
Digital health technology encompasses various tools that allow individuals to engage with their health data and communicate with healthcare providers, including patient portals and mobile health applications. These technologies enable users to track their health, access medical information, and facilitate telehealth encounters, making healthcare more accessible. Recent findings indicate that four out of five older adults engage with these technologies, a figure that surpassed initial expectations, particularly given the increasing smartphone adoption among this demographic. This suggests a growing comfort and capability among older adults in utilizing digital resources for managing their health.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
