Closing the gap: Technology access and telehealth use among older adults in the U.S. Medicare beneficiaries

Abstract

The use of digital technology offers numerous benefits for older individuals. However, failure to access technology could result in missed resources and opportunities, with some in this age group being hesitant to adopt new technology due to unfamiliarity or fear. Telehealth, as a form of digital technology, holds the potential to overcome geographic and temporal limitations, enabling socially isolated and physically homebound older adults to access a broader spectrum of healthcare options. Despite the potential advantages, the availability, acceptability, and accessibility of telehealth interventions for aging care remain unclear. This study aims to examine the impact of digital technologies on access to health and social care for older adults while identifying socioeconomic factors that may hinder access to services. We utilized the 2021 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey COVID-19 Winter Supplement Public Use File dataset and the total sample size was 10,592 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and above. Several statistical analyses, including multivariable logistic regression, were conducted. Our findings revealed that individuals from Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic racial and ethnic groups, as well as those with lower income and residing in non-metro areas, had lower odds of using technology devices and accessing the internet, This highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to promote equitable access to digital resources and healthcare services for all seniors. Moreover, seniors who possess technology devices and have internet access are more inclined to engage with primary care providers (PCPs) who provide telehealth consultations. The study discussed future directions and limitations, providing valuable insights into the intersection of digital technology, healthcare access, and socioeconomic factors for older adults.