With advancing age, it becomes increasingly important to manage long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Digital health technologies such as mobile applications, wearable devices, and online platforms for health create new opportunities for older people to monitor their health, stay in contact with clinicians, and manage medications.
The current work explores what older adults believe about utilizing these digital technologies. Researchers compared a number of studies to find out what encourages or discourages older people from adopting such technologies. They found that ease of use, trust in technology, and support from the family members or healthcare provider have significant impacts on the adoption of digital health solutions by older adults. While others appreciate the convenience, some seniors struggle with very complex designs, inappropriateness in terms of privacy, or lack of confidence in working with technology.
The study suggests that easier access to digital health tools, proper training, and alleviating concerns about privacy can make sure that more older adults can receive the advantages of such technologies. Digital health technologies, by increasing access and confidence, can contribute in a major way towards enhancing the quality of life in older adults with chronic illness.
Full text: Sadia Azmin Anisha, Arkendu Sen, Badariah Ahmad, Chris Bain, Exploring Acceptance of Digital Health Technologies for Managing Non-Communicable Diseases Among Older Adults: A Systematic Scoping Review, Journal of Medical Systems 49, 35 (2025), https://doi.org/10.1007/s10916-025-02166-3.