Unlike with other types of technology, older adults still “rely heavily” on physicians and other healthcare professionals for information about health and wellness-related technologies, according to a new survey.
“Because it has to do with their health care (in their minds), it must be learned from their Health Care Professional AND paid for by someone else, be it private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid,” wrote the authors of the “2019 Technology Study” by Link•Age Connect, a Cincinnati-based research consultancy working exclusively with older adults.
The organization in February surveyed 1,105 people aged 55 or more years. Approximately 19% of respondents lived in affordable housing, and 45% lived in senior housing communities.
Survey respondents said that other trusted sources for information about health and wellness technology — such as fitness trackers, CPAP machines, diabetes monitors, virtual physicians, internet-connected blood pressure cuffs, chronic disease management with live monitoring, and weight scales for people with chronic health failure — included the internet, family and friends.
