Vision impairment limits access to digital technology in older adults
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Key takeaways:
- Older adults with vision impairment were less likely to have access to digital technologies.
- There is 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.
Data were collected from the National Health and Aging Trends Study 2021, which included 2,822 Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older. Binocular distance and near visual acuity as well as contrast sensitivity were assessed, showing that 32.3% of participants had some form of vision impairment (VI).
Image: Adobe Stock
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 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.”
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.
“The recent COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the potential of telehealth in delivering health care to this population by eliminating in-person barriers. To ensure telemedicine is equitably used, however, older adults with VI need to be equipped with the proper technology and skill set to adequately navigate digital platforms,” they wrote.
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