The COVID-19 pandemic produced unprecedented adoption and deployment of technology in rural and northern areas; however, this expansion widened the digital divide for many. Evidence shows that older adults' use of technology has increased. Coupled with an increasing number of available technologies to enhance healthcare delivery, social engagement, meaningful activities, and support to carers, we are at a crossroads for change. Emerging strategies used by organizations to promote technology and support efforts to bridge and close the digital divide are discussed. In a post-pandemic society, policy-makers can play a critical role to ensure that improvements, efficiency gains, and lessons learned are fully leveraged to reap the benefits of technology use by older adults, care partners, and the healthcare system. Recommendations are given for policy-makers to capitalize on this opportunity to narrow the digital divide for those in rural and northern communities.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9301350PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/08404704221108314DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

digital divide
16
rural northern
12
covid-19 pandemic
8
divide rural
8
northern communities
8
technology
5
progress enhanced
4
enhanced access
4
access technology
4
technology covid-19
4

Similar Publications

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, information and communication technology (ICT) became crucial for staying connected with loved ones and accessing health services. In this scenario, disparities in ICT use may have exacerbated other forms of inequality, especially among older adults who were less familiar with technology and more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 health consequences.

Objective: This study investigated changes in ICT use, psychological and physical health, and social capital before and after the pandemic among the oldest old population (aged 80 years or older after the pandemic) and explored how internet use influenced these changes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Despite technology adoption and increased dependence on digital technologies, the digital divide persists among older adults. The purpose of this study was to understand barriers and facilitators of recruiting non-English speaking older individuals who are cognitively impaired along with their caregivers for PLAN, an ongoing RCT designed to promote the transition of Korean American older adults with probable dementia and their caregivers into the healthcare system for adequate diagnostic follow-up and care. We also examined online-based recruitment strategies focused on older adults reported in relevant published studies to compare with our experiences.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Loneliness is a significant issue among older Asian Americans, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Older age, lower income, limited education, and immigrant status heighten loneliness risk. Information communication technologies (ICTs) have been associated with decreased loneliness among older adults.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The integration of telehealth into maternal and child health (MCH) care presents an opportunity to enhance health equity, offering solutions to bridge gaps in access and quality of care. This paper explores the impact and reach of telehealth services on MCH, emphasizing its potential to address disparities in healthcare access, particularly for underserved and marginalized populations. Telehealth facilitates improved access to care by reducing geographical barriers, offering convenient and flexible consultation options, and providing cost-effective solutions for low-income families.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: There is a growing concern that digital health care may exacerbate existing health disparities. Digital health care or eHealth encompasses the digital apps that are used in health care. Differences in access, use, and perceived benefits of digital technology among socioeconomic groups are commonly referred to as the digital divide.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!