Vision impairment limits access to digital technology in older adults 

Key Takeaways

  • Older adults with vision impairment are less likely to have access to or know how to use digital technologies.
  • There is thus potential for inequities in telehealth for older adults with vision impairment.

A study conducted on a nationally representative sample of older adults showed that access to digital technology is hampered by vision impairment, potentially limiting access to telehealth. For the study, data were collected from the National Health and Aging Trends Study 2021, which included 2,822 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. Visual assessment showed that 32.3% of participants had some form of vision impairment (VI). Availability of and ability to use digital technologies, including cellphones, computers and tablets, were also assessed, as well as specific digital health-related experiences such as ordering prescriptions, connecting for a telehealth visit, contacting practitioners, handling health insurance matters and getting information about health conditions. 

The researchers found that prevalence of having and knowing how to use any digital technology was significantly lower in individuals with any VI as compared with those without VI. However, “no differences were noted in the report of digital health- and nonhealth-related activities.” The results were published in JAMA Ophthalmology.

Telehealth has the potential to reduce health disparities by providing an easier way to access health care services, particularly in the older adult population with disabilities. However, it could also exacerbate inequalities if the access to digital technologies and the ability to use them are limited, the authors wrote, noting that the findings of their study highlighted the need to develop strategies to improve the accessibility of telemedicine for all.

Edited by Miriam Kaplan, PhD

Source: Michela Cimberle, Healio Ocular Surgery News, April 29, 2024; see source article