Age should not limit the use of digital health — CardioSignal

Individuals who would most benefit from regular atrial fibrillation screening are usually the ones left out of digital advances. Older adults are intrigued by digital health opportunities, but challenges remain in adoption of new technologies.

According to AARP, in the United States, nearly 70% of individuals above 50 do not believe today’s technology is designed with them in mind (1).

While digital literacy is an important point in wider adoption of health technology, it is hardly the only issue.

According to a study by ORCHA in the UK (2021), more than half of those aged 65 years and older support the move to digital health. However, fewer than 4% in this age group had an app recommended by a health care professional (2).

Lack of a device is hardly a good explanation. Though access to a smartphone varies greatly by country, it is estimated that 60% of the older population has a smartphone in countries such as the United States, Sweden, the UK, Germany, and Finland – and the numbers are growing quickly.

Healthy aging is vital for global health

In 2019, over 700 million people in the world were aged 65 or older, that is over 10% of the global population. By 2050 this portion is projected to reach 1.5 billion (3).

For health systems suffering from lack of resources, digital technologies offer a massive potential for shifting from traditional medical routines to remote care models.

What’s more: Contrary to many beliefs, adherence to using different wearables and technologies is high in older age groups (4).

Aging populations can impact global health in a number of ways: 

Disease burden: As populations age, the disease burden shifts to noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. In 2016, these diseases accounted for 71% of deaths globally.

Healthcare demand: Aging populations increase demand for primary health care and long-term care.

Workforce: Aging populations require a larger and better trained workforce.

Ageism: Aging populations require everyone in every sector to combat ageism.

Infectious diseases: Older people account for a growing share of the infectious disease burden in low-income countries.

Economic issues: Aging populations can lead to adverse economic consequences, including declining productivity, higher labor costs, delayed business expansion, and reduced international competitiveness.

The world is facing a situation without precedent. By 2100, there are expected to be twice as many people over 80 as children under five. 

 

Age should not limit the use of digital health — CardioSignal