Snapshot
- Digital Health Beyond Convenience: The rise of digital health shouldn’t be limited to a convenience tool for the affluent. It should be a universal service benefiting all demographics.
- Elderly and Telehealth: Contrary to common assumptions, telehealth can be highly beneficial for older patients. It addresses transportation challenges and offers the convenience of receiving care from home.
- Pioneers in Elderly Digital Health: Organizations like West Health and the Center of Excellence for Telehealth are leading the way in ensuring digital health tools cater to the needs of the elderly.
- The Pledge for Inclusivity: The CE4TA has initiated a pledge urging health systems to design digital health tools with the elderly in mind. This pledge is backed by guidelines and strategies to assist in this mission.
Overview
The Assumption Myth
Often, there’s a misconception that the elderly might not be the right demographic for telehealth services. However, surveys indicate the opposite. Many older patients find telehealth solutions beneficial, especially when it comes to overcoming transportation challenges.
Championing the Cause
Organizations like West Health are at the forefront of ensuring that digital health tools are designed with the elderly in mind. Their guidelines and strategies provide a roadmap for health systems to make their digital tools more elderly-friendly.
Taking the Pledge
The CE4TA’s pledge is a call to action for health systems to commit to designing their digital health tools with the elderly in mind. By signing this pledge, health systems can show their commitment to inclusivity in digital health.
In Conclusion
As the digital health landscape continues to evolve, it’s imperative to ensure that it remains inclusive. By focusing on the needs of the elderly and ensuring they benefit from these advancements, we can create a more equitable healthcare future.
