By White Coat 360
Technology has paved an easier way for us to live our lives. However, it becomes a challenge for certain groups of people to understand the evolution that is taking place gradually. In a blink of an eye, the application of digital technology has moved forward from various sectors including education and health within several years.
With that being said, some seniors face barriers when using technology, but the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many to harness it for their health. Middle-aged and older adults can make health-related actions in a convenient way that would make healthcare accessible everywhere with the help of digital technology.
Let’s dive into this.
Why do elderly adults need to be educated about the online healthcare system?
We have seen a substantial increase in online learning. During the pandemic, individuals were encouraged to use their time to learn online from their home and acquire new skills deemed useful in the aftermath of a health emergency. As healthcare systems in developing countries continue to move forward, many seniors learned to interact with their healthcare providers virtually when the need comes.
During the pandemic, individuals were encouraged to use their time to learn online from their home and acquire new skills deemed useful in the aftermath of a health emergency.
To become independent consumers of healthcare, seniors must learn to find needed health information in order to understand their health conditions. As an increasing number of seniors go online, the Internet can provide important health information, but seniors must become both health and information literate.
How can seniors benefit from this?
The rate at which seniors are adapting to technology is exciting, especially considering the many ways it can help maintain their health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile applications or tools can help seniors stay connected with their families and friends while being physically distanced. This proves that anything is possible for those with technology. It ensures that Internet use increases the seniors’ level of participation, alters their decision-making processes and most importantly, it has a positive impact on their overall health.
Seniors face unique barriers to using and adapting to technology. Some seniors who use the internet have a low confidence in being able to use electronic devices to perform tasks online.
It’s also necessary to note that those who don’t have access to smartphones can still benefit from other technology resources. For instance, landline telephones or emails can provide seniors with ample opportunities to integrate digital-related benefits into their daily lives. Many seniors can continue to receive telehealth services during a health emergency, as well as health coaching and other healthcare services over the phone.
On the other hand, tools like telehealth are also available to help seniors continue to receive the medical and preventive care they need. As a digital health-tech company, White Coat 360 enables people to access nearby pharmacies that are specialised in certain illnesses such as diabetes management, dermatology and so on. It leads you to a panel of health advisors at your neighbourhood pharmacy.
While there’s no doubt that technology is a convenient and beneficial tool for many, it can be confusing to navigate for some. Seniors face unique barriers to using and adapting to technology. Some seniors who use the internet have low confidence in being able to use electronic devices to perform tasks online. Instead, they typically depend on someone to demonstrate to them how to use it.
There are many tips to consider when learning new technology. As with learning any new skills, it can be helpful to first start with a small task. For example, most smartphones and digital devices are equipped with health apps that track wellness metrics, such as number of steps, heart rate and the amount of sleep in a day. These apps require almost no tech knowledge, but they serve as a tool for staying healthy. Once an individual has better confidence, they may then be able to download more health-tracking tools, such as meal trackers and exercise apps.
As we all know, technology can be a useful tool for seniors in their daily lives and in helping them improve their overall health. Regardless of their technological knowledge, there are tools and resources that can help the seniors in our life.
