Connected Health · Demographics
In the modern era, the internet plays an ever-growing role in daily life. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the shift towards a more digital world. The healthcare industry has experienced rapid innovation as a result, and seniors are a demographic particularly positioned to benefit from increased internet technology in healthcare.
Internet technology is crucial to connecting people across the globe. Seniors face heightened risks of loneliness and social isolation — conditions linked to elder abuse, physical and mental health complications, and increased need for long-term care. Internet technology mitigates social isolation by helping seniors stay connected with family and friends while online support groups connect those with chronic diseases.
The internet gives seniors access to online shopping, banking, entertainment, and government benefits. For those with mobility difficulties, online services preserve independence. Telehealth services provide access to doctors and medical care from home safely.
Despite the traditionally-held notion that seniors are wary of technology, studies show most are open to adopting new tools. According to Pew Research, 67% of seniors aged 65+ now use the internet, with usage reaching 82% among younger members of this demographic. Smartphone ownership stands at 42% among seniors overall, and tablet ownership has increased by double-digits.
These adoption rates coincide with increased dependence on technology. The AARP Public Policy Institute projects the ratio of potential caregivers to seniors aged 80+ will decrease from 7.2:1 in 2010 to below 3:1 in 2050. As the senior population grows and available caregivers decrease, internet and telehealth technologies become essential infrastructure.
While technology use among seniors is rising, accessibility remains a barrier. Seniors with conditions like dementia, hearing loss, impaired vision, and Parkinson's face particular challenges. However, the tech industry is actively developing solutions:
Video captions and text-to-speech make web content more accessible. iOS Accessibility menus allow customization for ease of use. Senior-specific app interfaces use large buttons and high-contrast colors. Researchers in Germany found that a sliding and lifting motion improves touchscreen accuracy for elderly users. AI models are being developed to predict and compensate for individual performance differences in text entry.
CMS has assumed an active role in promoting tech solutions in senior healthcare. Since 2003, the CMS Council for Technology & Innovation has identified and incorporated new technologies into Medicare's coding and payment system. In 2018, CMS launched its eMedicare initiative to modernize the Medicare online experience. The pandemic accelerated this — enabling seniors to meet with doctors, complete screening tests, receive medical device training, and more via smartphone or tablet.
As we shift towards a more digital world, the internet is becoming increasingly important — especially in healthcare. Despite common perceptions, seniors are both embracing new technologies and distinctly positioned to benefit from them. We anticipate seniors will increasingly turn to online health services, making connected health infrastructure one of the most significant investment themes of the decade.