Bridging the Digital Divide: Enhancing Technology Integration in Geriatric Care

Abstract

The profound integration of digital technologies across all facets of modern life presents a transformative opportunity for enhancing geriatric care. Digital health tools, encompassing telemedicine, artificial intelligence (AI), wearable devices, and electronic health records, possess immense potential to improve health outcomes, optimize care delivery, and foster greater independence among older adults. However, the equitable realization of these benefits is severely impeded by the pervasive ‘digital divide’—a complex and multifaceted phenomenon characterized by disparities in access to technology, essential digital literacy skills, and the availability of suitable devices and robust internet infrastructure. This divide is particularly pronounced within the older adult demographic, especially those residing in rural, low-income, or otherwise underserved communities, thereby exacerbating existing health inequities. This comprehensive report delves into the intricate dynamics of the digital divide within the specific context of geriatric care. It systematically examines its underlying causes, elucidates its far-reaching effects on health and well-being, and critically analyzes existing and proposed policy interventions and innovative design strategies. The ultimate aim is to propose actionable recommendations to ensure that all older adults can equitably access and fully benefit from the rapidly evolving landscape of digital health advancements, fostering a more inclusive and effective healthcare system.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

1. Introduction

The dawn of the 21st century has been indelibly marked by a digital revolution that has profoundly reshaped human interaction, commerce, education, and crucially, healthcare. The burgeoning field of digital health, characterized by innovations such as real-time remote patient monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics, sophisticated health applications, and seamless telehealth platforms, offers unprecedented avenues for enhancing the quality, accessibility, and efficiency of care for older adults (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). As global populations age, the imperative to leverage these technological advancements for improved geriatric care becomes increasingly critical. Digital tools hold the promise of facilitating proactive health management, enabling timely interventions, reducing the burden of chronic diseases, and promoting active and independent living for a demographic that often faces complex health challenges.

Despite this immense promise, a significant and persistent barrier obstructs the equitable distribution of these benefits: the digital divide. This phenomenon, far from being a simple binary of ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots,’ represents a profound and widening gap in the ability of individuals to access, effectively utilize, and derive meaningful benefits from information and communication technologies (ICTs). For older adults, this divide translates into tangible challenges in accessing vital health information, engaging with healthcare providers, managing chronic conditions, and participating fully in a society increasingly reliant on digital platforms. The consequences extend beyond mere inconvenience, directly contributing to disparities in health outcomes and exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities.

Addressing the digital divide is not merely a technical or logistical challenge; it is fundamentally an ethical imperative and a matter of social justice. To achieve true health equity, where every individual has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible, it is essential to dismantle the barriers that prevent older adults from participating in and benefiting from digital health innovations. This report undertakes a detailed exploration of the digital divide in geriatric care, dissecting its dimensions, unraveling its complex etiologies, analyzing its pervasive impacts, and evaluating current and prospective solutions. By providing a comprehensive overview, this research aims to inform policy development, guide technological innovation, and foster a more inclusive digital health ecosystem that genuinely serves the needs of all older adults.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

2. Understanding the Digital Divide in Geriatric Care

The digital divide, while a global phenomenon, presents unique characteristics and profound implications within the context of geriatric care. Its understanding necessitates a detailed examination of its definition, scope, prevalence among older adults, and its direct ramifications for health equity.

2.1 Definition and Scope

The digital divide broadly refers to the disparity in access to, use of, and skills related to information and communication technologies (ICTs). However, in a contemporary context, this definition has evolved beyond mere physical access to encompass multiple layers of exclusion. Researchers now often categorize the digital divide into several distinct, yet interconnected, levels:

• First-level digital divide (Access): This refers to the most fundamental disparity—the lack of physical access to digital devices (e.g., smartphones, tablets, computers) and reliable internet connectivity (broadband, mobile data). For older adults, this can be due to financial constraints, geographical limitations, or a lack of available infrastructure.
• Second-level digital divide (Skills and Literacy): Even with access, many individuals lack the requisite digital literacy skills to effectively and confidently navigate digital platforms, understand online information, or operate complex devices. This includes basic operational skills, information literacy (evaluating credibility), communication skills (email, video calls), and problem-solving in a digital environment (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29661052/). In geriatric care, this translates to difficulties using patient portals, engaging in telehealth, or understanding health apps.
• Third-level digital divide (Engagement and Outcomes): This deeper layer examines disparities in how people use technology and the benefits they derive from it. It addresses whether individuals are merely passive consumers or active participants, and if their digital engagement leads to improved socio-economic or health outcomes. For older adults, this means understanding if they are effectively leveraging digital tools for preventative care, chronic disease management, social connection, and overall well-being, or if they are primarily using technology for basic, limited functions.

In the context of geriatric care, this multifaceted divide manifests significantly across these dimensions. It encompasses everything from the absence of high-speed internet in a rural elder’s home to an urban senior’s inability to comprehend how to schedule a telehealth appointment or understand data presented in a health application. This comprehensive view highlights that simply providing a device or internet access is often insufficient to bridge the gap; robust support for skill development and meaningful engagement is equally paramount.

2.2 Prevalence Among Older Adults

Empirical evidence consistently demonstrates that older adults exhibit significantly lower rates of internet usage and digital device ownership compared to younger cohorts. Data from 2019, for instance, indicated that only 59% of Americans aged 65 and older had home broadband access, a stark contrast to approximately 80% among other age groups (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide_in_the_United_States). This disparity becomes even more pronounced with advancing age; among those aged 75 and older, internet usage drops to around 34%, with home broadband access further declining to just 21% (ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/E0/04/58/46/00001/HALL_A.pdf).

Beyond simple age stratification, the prevalence of the digital divide among older adults is deeply intertwined with intersecting socio-demographic factors, creating layers of vulnerability. These include:

• Socioeconomic Status: Older adults with lower incomes, often reliant on fixed pensions, face greater financial barriers to acquiring devices and internet services. This segment consistently shows lower rates of digital engagement (healthpolicy.ucla.edu).
• Race and Ethnicity: Racial and ethnic minority older adults often experience compounded disadvantages due to historical inequities, leading to lower rates of internet access and digital literacy compared to their white counterparts (healthpolicy.ucla.edu).
• Geographical Location: As highlighted, rural older adults disproportionately lack access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet infrastructure.
• Educational Attainment: Lower levels of formal education are often correlated with reduced digital literacy and slower adoption of new technologies (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29661052/).
• Disability Status: Older adults with physical or cognitive impairments may face additional barriers related to device accessibility, interface design, and the need for specialized assistive technologies.

These intersecting factors underscore that the digital divide is not monolithic but rather a complex landscape of exclusions affecting various subgroups of older adults differently, demanding tailored and equitable interventions.

2.3 Impact on Health Equity

The digital divide profoundly exacerbates existing health disparities among older adults, creating a ‘digital determinant of health’ that can rival traditional socio-economic factors in its impact. Limited access to digital health resources translates into tangible disadvantages across multiple dimensions of health and well-being:

• Reduced Access to Health Information: Older adults without reliable internet access struggle to obtain accurate, timely, and credible health information online, affecting their ability to make informed decisions about their care, understand their conditions, or find preventative health strategies. During public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, this deficiency severely hampered access to vital information about testing, vaccination, and safety protocols (bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-17922-2).
• Limited Engagement with Healthcare Providers and Services: Digital platforms have become central to modern healthcare. The inability to use patient portals hinders appointment scheduling, medication refills, accessing lab results, and secure communication with care teams. Crucially, it limits participation in telehealth consultations, which have become a cornerstone of accessible care, particularly for those with mobility issues or in remote areas. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, missed follow-up appointments, and poorer disease management.
• Inequitable Access to Specialized Care: Digital health can connect patients in underserved areas to specialists who might otherwise be inaccessible. The digital divide prevents older adults from leveraging this advantage, perpetuating disparities in access to specialized medical expertise.
• Hindrance to Proactive Health Management: Wearable devices and health applications empower individuals to monitor vital signs, track activity, manage medications, and receive personalized health coaching. Older adults unable to engage with these tools miss opportunities for proactive self-management, early detection of issues, and adherence to treatment plans, potentially leading to increased morbidity and reliance on emergency services.
• Exacerbated Vulnerability During Health Crises: Beyond general information, the digital divide creates significant vulnerabilities during emergencies. Older adults without digital access may struggle to receive critical alerts, access support services, or coordinate assistance during natural disasters, pandemics, or other public health emergencies.
• Impact on Mental Health and Social Connectivity: While not exclusively a health issue, social isolation significantly impacts older adults’ mental health. Digital platforms offer vital avenues for maintaining social connections, engaging in community activities, and accessing mental health support groups. The digital divide isolates older adults further, contributing to loneliness, depression, and anxiety (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35893307/).

In essence, the digital divide acts as a systemic barrier, pushing already vulnerable older adults further to the margins of the healthcare system, creating a cycle of poorer health literacy, reduced preventive care, delayed interventions, and ultimately, increased hospitalizations and diminished quality of life (bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-024-05612-y).

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

3. Root Causes of the Digital Divide Among Older Adults

The digital divide among older adults is not attributable to a single factor but is a complex interplay of socio-economic, geographical, educational, and generational forces. Understanding these root causes is fundamental to developing effective and sustainable solutions.

3.1 Financial Barriers

The economic realities of many older adults constitute a primary barrier to digital inclusion. Many seniors live on fixed incomes, often below the poverty line, making the cost of acquiring and maintaining digital devices and internet services prohibitive.

• Device Acquisition Costs: The initial outlay for a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer can be substantial. For older adults managing essential living expenses like housing, food, and medication, discretionary spending on technology is often impossible. Furthermore, specialized devices tailored for seniors (e.g., simplified smartphones, large-button phones) can sometimes carry a premium price. Beyond the initial purchase, costs for protective cases, accessories, and repairs add to the financial burden.
• Internet Service Costs: Reliable, high-speed internet service (broadband) remains a significant monthly expense. While cheaper, slower options exist, they often fail to support the demands of modern digital health applications, particularly video telehealth calls. Mobile data plans, though offering flexibility, can also be costly, especially for unlimited usage required for consistent connectivity.
• Ancillary Costs: The digital ecosystem involves other expenses, such as software licenses, cybersecurity subscriptions, and even the cost of electricity to charge devices. For an older adult already struggling, these cumulative costs present an insurmountable hurdle.

Government subsidies and low-income programs exist, but often suffer from low awareness, complex application processes, and insufficient funding, failing to reach all eligible individuals. The financial strain thus directly limits their ability to access and utilize digital health resources effectively, perpetuating their digital exclusion.

3.2 Geographical Barriers

The physical location of older adults plays a critical role in shaping their digital access, particularly for those residing in rural and remote areas.

• Lack of Infrastructure: Rural areas frequently lack the necessary telecommunications infrastructure for reliable, high-speed internet connectivity. The sparse population density makes it economically unfeasible for major internet service providers (ISPs) to invest in costly infrastructure development (e.g., fiber optic cables) compared to more densely populated urban centers (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide_in_rural_communities). This results in limited choices, slower speeds, and higher prices for available services.
• ‘Digital Deserts’ in Urban Areas: While often associated with rural areas, ‘digital deserts’—neighborhoods with inadequate internet access—also exist within urban environments. These are often low-income areas where ISPs have chosen not to invest, leaving residents, including older adults, underserved.
• Reliance on Older Technologies: In areas with poor infrastructure, residents may rely on outdated technologies like dial-up or satellite internet, which are often too slow or unreliable for the demands of modern digital health applications, such as high-quality video conferencing for telehealth.
• Mobility Challenges: Even if community technology hubs are available (as discussed later), older adults with mobility limitations, lack of transportation, or health conditions may find it difficult to travel to these locations, effectively creating a geographical barrier to access and learning, even if internet infrastructure exists in the wider area.

These geographical constraints create a stark divide, where older adults in certain regions are fundamentally cut off from the digital opportunities available to their urban or better-connected counterparts.

3.3 Educational and Literacy Barriers

Educational disparities form another significant pillar of the digital divide, hindering older adults’ ability to develop the necessary skills for digital engagement.

• Lack of Prior Technology Exposure: Many older adults belong to generations that did not grow up with digital technologies. Unlike ‘digital natives,’ they are ‘digital immigrants’ who often lack foundational computer literacy, making it challenging to grasp new interfaces and concepts.
• Formal Education Gaps: Lower levels of formal education are often correlated with reduced familiarity with abstract concepts and a perceived difficulty in learning new, complex systems. This can translate into less confidence and slower adoption of digital tools (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29661052/).
• Absence of Relevant Training: Traditional educational curricula historically did not include digital literacy. Many older adults have not had access to structured, age-appropriate training programs that introduce technology in a supportive and practical manner. They may not know where to start or how to learn effectively.
• Information Overload and Misinformation: Even for those with basic digital skills, discerning credible health information from misinformation online can be a significant challenge, requiring advanced critical thinking and information literacy skills that may not have been developed.

Without adequate digital literacy skills, older adults may find it overwhelming to navigate online health information, engage with patient portals, or participate in telehealth services, even if they have the devices and connectivity.

3.4 Sociocultural and Generational Barriers

Beyond individual financial and educational factors, broader sociocultural contexts and generational differences contribute to the digital divide among older adults. These factors influence perception, motivation, and willingness to engage with technology.

• Lack of Perceived Relevance: Some older adults may not see the immediate or tangible benefits of adopting new technologies, particularly if they have managed their health and social lives effectively using traditional methods for decades. They might question, ‘Why fix what isn’t broken?’ This can lead to a lack of motivation to learn.
• Generational Differences in Learning Styles: Learning new skills in later life can be different. Older adults often prefer hands-on, practical, and social learning environments rather than self-directed online tutorials that younger generations might favor. A lack of such tailored learning opportunities acts as a barrier.
• Social Norms and Peer Influence: If an older adult’s social circle or immediate community does not widely adopt digital technologies, there is less social pressure or peer support to learn. This can perpetuate a sense of ‘it’s not for me.’
• Lack of Caregiver Support: Family caregivers often play a crucial role in supporting older adults’ technology adoption. However, if caregivers lack the time, skills, or patience, or if the older adult lives alone without such support, technology engagement can falter.
• Cultural Values: In some cultures, there might be a preference for in-person interactions over digital ones, or a greater reliance on family members for technical assistance, which can reduce an individual’s independent digital engagement.

These sociocultural and generational factors subtly but powerfully shape the digital habits and receptiveness of older adults, indicating that technological solutions must be accompanied by comprehensive societal and educational support systems.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

4. Effects of the Digital Divide on Geriatric Care

The digital divide’s pervasive influence ripples through various aspects of geriatric care, fundamentally altering access, quality, and equity of health services for older adults. The consequences extend beyond mere inconvenience, leading to tangible declines in health outcomes and exacerbating existing vulnerabilities.

4.1 Limited Access to Telehealth Services

Telehealth, encompassing remote consultations, virtual follow-ups, remote patient monitoring (RPM), and e-prescribing, has rapidly emerged as a vital component of modern healthcare delivery. Its capacity to reduce travel time, improve access to specialists, and enhance continuity of care makes it particularly beneficial for older adults with mobility limitations or chronic conditions. However, the digital divide severely restricts its uptake among this demographic.

• Exclusion from Virtual Consultations: Without reliable internet access, a suitable device (e.g., a smartphone or tablet with a camera), or the digital literacy to navigate video conferencing platforms, older adults cannot participate in virtual doctor’s appointments. This leads to missed opportunities for timely medical advice, routine check-ups, and mental health therapy.
• Lack of Remote Patient Monitoring: RPM devices, such as connected blood pressure cuffs, glucose meters, or weight scales, transmit vital health data directly to healthcare providers, enabling proactive management of chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure. Older adults without the necessary digital infrastructure or skills cannot utilize these tools, missing out on early detection of complications and personalized care adjustments. This can result in delayed interventions and increased emergency room visits.
• Reduced Access to Specialist Care: Telehealth can bridge geographical gaps, connecting older adults in rural areas with urban specialists. The digital divide denies this critical access, potentially leading to poorer management of complex conditions requiring specialized expertise.
• Disruption of Care Continuity: For many, telehealth has become integral to ongoing care. Inability to participate can disrupt the continuity of care, leading to poorer adherence to treatment plans and a fragmented healthcare experience.

Ultimately, limited telehealth access means older adults are more likely to experience missed diagnoses, delayed treatments, and a reduced quality of care, placing a greater burden on emergency services and increasing healthcare costs.

4.2 Reduced Engagement with Health Management Tools

Beyond formal telehealth, a plethora of digital health management tools empowers individuals to take a more active role in their health. These include wearable fitness trackers, health-tracking apps, medication reminder apps, and patient portals that provide access to personal health records.

• Missed Opportunities for Proactive Health Monitoring: Wearable devices can track physical activity, sleep patterns, heart rate, and even detect falls, providing valuable data for both the individual and their care team. Older adults unable to use these technologies miss out on the benefits of continuous self-monitoring and early warning signs that could prevent adverse health events.
• Poor Medication Adherence: Digital tools, such as automated medication reminders and pill organizers linked to apps, can significantly improve adherence to complex medication regimens. Without these, older adults, especially those with cognitive impairments, are more prone to medication errors, which can have serious health consequences.
• Limited Access to Personal Health Information: Patient portals allow individuals to view medical records, lab results, appointment schedules, and communicate securely with their healthcare team. Digital barriers prevent older adults from accessing this crucial information, diminishing their autonomy in health decision-making and hindering informed self-advocacy.
• Underutilization of Educational Health Apps: Numerous applications offer educational content on managing specific conditions, healthy aging, nutrition, and exercise. Older adults who cannot access or navigate these apps miss valuable opportunities to enhance their health literacy and adopt healthier lifestyles.

Reduced engagement with these tools results in less informed health decisions, diminished self-management capabilities, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes, necessitating more intensive and costly medical interventions downstream.

4.3 Exacerbation of Health Disparities

The digital divide disproportionately affects older adults who are already marginalized due to other factors (e.g., low income, racial/ethnic minority status, rural residence). This creates a compounding effect, exacerbating existing health disparities and deepening inequities.

• Widening Gaps in Chronic Disease Management: Older adults from disadvantaged backgrounds often have higher rates of chronic conditions. The inability to use digital tools for monitoring, education, and communication with providers means they miss out on crucial support for managing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), leading to poorer control and more frequent complications (bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-024-05612-y).
• Inadequate Preventive Care: Digital platforms can deliver tailored information on vaccinations, screenings, and lifestyle modifications that prevent disease. Those digitally excluded are less likely to receive or act upon this information, leading to lower rates of preventive screenings and higher incidence of preventable diseases.
• Increased Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits: A direct consequence of limited access to telehealth, poor chronic disease management, and lack of preventive care is an increased reliance on acute care services. Older adults facing the digital divide are more likely to experience health crises that necessitate emergency interventions, leading to higher healthcare costs and worse patient experiences.
• Mental Health Disparities: Digital tools offer discreet and accessible avenues for mental health support, including tele-psychiatry, online therapy, and peer support groups. For older adults isolated by the digital divide, these services are largely inaccessible, worsening mental health outcomes and perpetuating disparities in mental healthcare access.

In essence, the digital divide acts as a force multiplier for health inequity, creating a scenario where those who could benefit most from digital health innovations are precisely those least able to access them, reinforcing the inverse care law in the digital age.

4.4 Social Isolation and Mental Health

While not strictly a clinical healthcare service, social connection is a critical determinant of health and well-being, particularly for older adults. The digital divide significantly contributes to social isolation, which in turn has profound implications for mental health.

• Hindered Family and Social Connections: Digital platforms (video calls, social media, messaging apps) are primary means of maintaining contact with family and friends, especially for those who are homebound, geographically distant, or have limited mobility. The inability to use these tools leads to increased feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
• Exclusion from Community Activities: Many community organizations, senior centers, and interest groups now use digital platforms to organize events, share information, and host virtual gatherings. Digitally excluded older adults miss out on these opportunities for social engagement, leisure activities, and peer support.
• Increased Risk of Depression and Anxiety: Chronic social isolation is a well-established risk factor for depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and even increased mortality in older adults. The digital divide intensifies this isolation, negatively impacting mental well-being (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35893307/). Access to digital platforms can offer a lifeline, providing avenues for support, engagement, and a sense of belonging.

4.5 Safety and Emergency Preparedness

The ability to access timely information and communicate during emergencies is paramount for safety and survival. The digital divide places older adults at a heightened risk during crises.

• Delayed Access to Critical Information: During natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires, floods), public health emergencies (e.g., pandemics), or civic unrest, vital information regarding evacuation routes, shelters, safety instructions, and resource availability is often disseminated rapidly via official websites, social media, and emergency alert apps. Older adults without digital access may be among the last to receive such critical updates.
• Inability to Seek or Offer Assistance: Digital communication tools are essential for contacting emergency services, family members, or community support networks during a crisis. Older adults without digital access are hindered in seeking help when needed or in communicating their status to concerned relatives.
• Vulnerability to Misinformation: While digital access can provide information, a lack of digital literacy (particularly information literacy) can make older adults susceptible to misinformation and scams during times of uncertainty, further compromising their safety and well-being.

The digital divide therefore not only affects routine healthcare but also impacts the fundamental safety and resilience of older adults in the face of unforeseen emergencies, underscoring its broad societal implications.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

5. Policy Interventions and Their Effectiveness

Addressing the digital divide in geriatric care requires a multi-pronged approach involving robust policy interventions at local, national, and international levels. These strategies aim to tackle the various dimensions of the divide, from access and affordability to literacy and engagement.

5.1 Subsidized Internet Access Programs

Recognizing the fundamental role of internet connectivity, many governments have initiated programs to provide affordable or subsidized internet access, particularly for low-income households, which often include a significant proportion of older adults.

• Examples of Programs: In the United States, programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offer discounts on broadband services and connected devices for eligible low-income families and households, including those participating in federal assistance programs. Similar initiatives exist in other countries, such as Canada’s ‘Connecting Families’ initiative or various European Union digital inclusion projects.
• Effectiveness: These programs have demonstrably increased internet adoption rates among low-income populations. By reducing the financial burden, they directly tackle one of the primary barriers to digital access. For older adults, this means greater potential to connect to telehealth, family, and online resources.
• Challenges and Limitations: Despite successes, challenges persist. Awareness of these programs remains low among eligible populations, including many older adults. The application processes can be complex, requiring digital literacy skills that beneficiaries may lack. Funding for such programs can also be precarious, leading to uncertainty about long-term sustainability. Furthermore, while subsidies help with cost, they don’t always guarantee high-quality, reliable internet, especially in areas with poor infrastructure.

To maximize effectiveness, these programs need sustained funding, simplified enrollment procedures, and aggressive outreach campaigns specifically targeting older adults through trusted community channels.

5.2 Community Technology Hubs

Community-based initiatives, such as technology hubs, offer a tangible solution to bridge both access and literacy gaps by providing shared resources and direct support.

• Model and Services: These hubs are typically established in public libraries, senior centers, community health clinics, or other accessible public spaces. They are equipped with digital devices (computers, tablets), reliable internet access, and often staffed by trained volunteers or professionals. Services typically include free internet access, one-on-one technology assistance, digital literacy classes, and workshops on specific applications (e.g., how to use telehealth platforms, email, or social media).
• Effectiveness: Community hubs create safe, supportive, and accessible environments for older adults to gain hands-on experience with technology. They foster social interaction and peer learning, which are highly effective pedagogical approaches for this demographic. They overcome financial barriers (free access) and provide immediate human support to address psychological barriers like fear of technology.
• Challenges and Limitations: The success of community technology hubs depends on consistent funding for equipment, maintenance, and staffing. Their reach is limited by geographical proximity, as older adults with mobility issues or lack of transportation may struggle to access them. Furthermore, the range of services and quality of instruction can vary widely depending on local resources and expertise.

Sustained investment, strategic placement, and robust community engagement are critical for these hubs to make a lasting impact.

5.3 Digital Literacy Training Programs

Targeted educational programs designed to enhance digital literacy among older adults are crucial for empowering them to confidently and effectively use technology.

• Key Features of Successful Programs: Effective digital literacy programs for seniors often incorporate:
  • Patience and Empathy: Instructors understand age-related learning differences.
  • Hands-on, Practical Training: Learning by doing, focusing on real-world applications relevant to their lives (e.g., communicating with family, health management, online banking).
  • Small Group or One-on-One Instruction: Allows for personalized support and reduces intimidation.
  • Peer-to-Peer Learning: Seniors teaching seniors can be highly effective.
  • Repetition and Reinforcement: Building skills gradually.
  • Focus on ‘Why’: Explaining the benefits and relevance to foster motivation.
• Effectiveness: These programs directly address the second-level digital divide, equipping older adults with the skills and confidence to utilize digital tools. They can significantly reduce technophobia and increase self-efficacy, leading to greater engagement with digital health resources.
• Challenges and Limitations: Scaling such programs can be difficult due to funding for trainers and materials. Curriculum development needs to be flexible and adapt to evolving technologies and user needs. There’s also the challenge of reaching homebound or socially isolated older adults who cannot attend in-person classes.

Integrating digital literacy into existing senior services and expanding online, accessible learning resources with human support are essential for broader impact.

5.4 Device Provision and Refurbishment Programs

Addressing the first-level digital divide often requires not just internet access but also affordable or free devices. Programs that provide refurbished or new devices can be highly effective.

• Models: These initiatives typically involve donating used computers, tablets, or smartphones, refurbishing them, and distributing them to low-income older adults. Some programs may also provide new, simplified devices designed for seniors. Often, these are coupled with an internet subsidy or digital literacy training.
• Effectiveness: Directly overcomes financial barriers to device acquisition. Providing a suitable device, sometimes pre-loaded with essential apps or with simplified interfaces, immediately enables access. When paired with support, it can jumpstart digital inclusion.
• Challenges: Sustainability of device supply, quality control for refurbished devices, and ensuring ongoing technical support for recipients are significant challenges. The environmental impact of device disposal and recycling also needs consideration.

Strategic partnerships with technology companies and community organizations are vital for the success and scalability of such programs.

5.5 Intergenerational Programs

Leveraging the natural advantage of younger generations’ digital fluency can be a powerful and mutually beneficial intervention.

• Model: These programs pair younger volunteers (students, community members) with older adults for one-on-one technology mentoring. The younger person teaches digital skills (e.g., using a smartphone, setting up an email account, making a video call), while the older adult may share life experiences or traditional skills.
• Effectiveness: Fosters social connection and reduces isolation for both generations. Provides personalized, patient, and relevant instruction. It can break down psychological barriers as older adults learn from someone they trust and who is often less intimidating than a formal instructor. The informal setting can be highly conducive to learning.
• Challenges: Requires careful coordination, vetting of volunteers, and structured curricula to ensure consistent learning outcomes. Scheduling and long-term commitment from both parties can be an issue.

Intergenerational programs offer a holistic approach, addressing digital skills while simultaneously combating social isolation and fostering community bonds.

5.6 Public-Private Partnerships

Effective and large-scale solutions often require collaboration between government bodies, private sector companies (telecom providers, tech firms), healthcare organizations, and non-profit community groups.

• Collaboration Areas: Partnerships can focus on infrastructure development (e.g., joint funding for rural broadband expansion), device affordability (e.g., telecom companies offering discounted plans or devices for seniors), digital literacy (e.g., tech companies developing accessible training materials), and integrated digital health solutions (e.g., healthcare providers collaborating with tech firms to design user-friendly platforms).
• Effectiveness: Leverages the unique strengths and resources of each sector. Governments provide policy frameworks and oversight; private companies offer technical expertise, innovation, and scalability; healthcare providers ensure clinical relevance; and non-profits provide community trust and outreach. This holistic approach can create more comprehensive and sustainable solutions.
• Challenges: Requires careful negotiation, clear delineation of responsibilities, and robust governance to ensure equitable outcomes and prevent conflicts of interest. Measuring the impact of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives can also be challenging.

These partnerships are essential for mobilizing the necessary resources and expertise to tackle the digital divide at a systemic level, ensuring that interventions are not isolated but part of a coordinated national strategy for digital inclusion in geriatric care.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

6. Psychological and Cognitive Barriers to Technology Adoption

Beyond financial, geographical, and educational hurdles, a significant array of psychological and cognitive factors profoundly influences older adults’ willingness and ability to adopt and effectively utilize digital technologies. These intrinsic barriers are often deeply rooted and require tailored, empathetic approaches.

6.1 Fear and Anxiety (Technophobia)

Many older adults experience a genuine sense of apprehension, discomfort, or even fear when confronted with new technologies, a phenomenon often termed technophobia. This fear stems from several sources:

• Fear of Making Mistakes: A significant concern is the fear of ‘breaking’ the device, deleting important information, or irreversible errors. This can lead to extreme caution or outright avoidance, stifling experimentation and learning.
• Feeling Overwhelmed: Modern interfaces can be complex and information-dense, leading to sensory overload and a feeling of being overwhelmed by too many options or unfamiliar terminology.
• Perceived Lack of Competence: Many older adults harbor self-doubt about their ability to learn new technologies, often internalized from societal stereotypes or past negative experiences. This ‘learned helplessness’ can be a powerful deterrent.
• Concerns about Scams and Misinformation: A legitimate fear of online fraud, phishing attempts, identity theft, and misinformation can make older adults wary of engaging with any digital platform, including legitimate health services. High-profile news stories about scams exacerbate these fears (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide).
• Loss of Control: Ceding control to an unfamiliar machine or system can be unsettling, especially for individuals accustomed to traditional, tangible methods of managing their lives and health.

Addressing technophobia requires creating supportive, non-judgmental learning environments, emphasizing patience, celebrating small successes, and focusing on immediate, tangible benefits to build confidence and mitigate anxiety.

6.2 Privacy and Security Concerns

Worries about data privacy and the security of personal information are highly prevalent among older adults and represent a significant psychological barrier to digital health adoption.

• Data Breaches and Identity Theft: News reports of data breaches involving healthcare providers, financial institutions, and social media platforms contribute to a well-founded skepticism about the safety of personal information online. Older adults are particularly vulnerable targets for scams, reinforcing their caution.
• Misuse of Personal Health Information: Concerns exist about who has access to their sensitive health data, how it might be used (e.g., for marketing, by insurance companies), and whether it could lead to discrimination. This is especially pertinent for health-tracking apps and patient portals.
• Lack of Trust in Digital Systems: Many older adults have a stronger trust in traditional, in-person interactions and paper records, viewing digital systems as inherently less secure or reliable.
• Complexity of Privacy Settings: Understanding and configuring privacy settings on devices and applications can be exceedingly complex, leading to either avoidance or a sense of helplessness in controlling their data.

To overcome these barriers, transparent communication about data protection measures, robust cybersecurity protocols in digital health tools, and clear, simple explanations of privacy policies are essential. Building trust through reputable sources and offering assistance with privacy settings can help alleviate these legitimate concerns.

6.3 Cognitive Barriers

Age-related cognitive changes, which are a normal part of the aging process (distinct from clinical cognitive impairment like dementia), can significantly affect an older adult’s ability to learn and effectively use new technologies. These changes include:

• Decreased Processing Speed: The rate at which new information is taken in and processed tends to slow with age. This can make fast-paced interfaces or rapid changes in screens overwhelming.
• Reduced Working Memory: The ability to hold and manipulate multiple pieces of information simultaneously (e.g., remembering a password while navigating a login screen) can diminish, making multi-step tasks challenging.
• Declines in Fluid Intelligence: The ability to solve new problems, use logic in new situations, and identify patterns often declines, impacting the capacity to quickly adapt to novel technological interfaces or troubleshoot issues.
• Sensory Impairments: Age-related vision loss (e.g., presbyopia, cataracts, glaucoma) can make reading small text or seeing low-contrast elements difficult. Hearing loss (presbycusis) can impede comprehension of audio cues or video instructions. Fine motor skill declines (e.g., tremors, arthritis) can make precise touch-screen interactions or small button presses challenging.
• Difficulty with Divided Attention: Tasks requiring simultaneous focus on multiple elements (e.g., listening to instructions while navigating an app) can be harder.

Designing user-friendly interfaces (as discussed in Section 7), offering multimodal support, and providing patient, individualized instruction are crucial strategies to mitigate these cognitive and sensory challenges. Emphasis on accessible design principles is not just beneficial but imperative for inclusive digital health.

6.4 Lack of Perceived Relevance and Motivation

For some older adults, the perceived utility of technology simply doesn’t outweigh the effort required to learn it. This lack of motivation can be a powerful barrier.

• ‘If it Ain’t Broke’ Mentality: If traditional methods of healthcare access (in-person appointments, phone calls) or social interaction (face-to-face visits, letters) have always worked for them, they may not see a compelling reason to change.
• Absence of Immediate Benefit: Unlike younger generations who might adopt new tech for entertainment or social trends, older adults often need to see direct, practical benefits relevant to their daily lives (e.g., easier access to a doctor, staying connected with grandchildren) to be motivated to learn.
• Feeling Excluded from the Design: If technology appears to be designed for younger users, older adults may feel it’s not ‘for them,’ further diminishing their motivation to engage.

Motivational strategies must clearly articulate the tangible benefits of digital tools in ways that resonate with older adults’ priorities, such as enhancing independence, improving health outcomes, or fostering social connection.

6.5 Trust in Information and Providers

Trust is a foundational element in healthcare. For older adults, this trust often extends to the channels through which health information is delivered.

• Skepticism of Online Sources: Many older adults are more trusting of traditional sources of health information (doctors, pharmacists, trusted family members) than anonymous online content. This can lead to a reluctance to rely on digital health apps or websites, even if they are reputable.
• Trust in Digital Providers: If an older adult has a long-standing relationship with an in-person doctor, they may be hesitant to transition to a virtual provider they don’t know, impacting telehealth adoption.
• Fear of Impersonal Care: Some older adults worry that digital healthcare will replace the human element of care, leading to a more impersonal and less compassionate experience.

Building trust requires not only secure and accessible technology but also ensuring that digital health is presented as an enhancement to existing care, rather than a replacement for human connection. Clear communication from trusted healthcare providers about the benefits and limitations of digital tools is essential.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

7. Innovative and Inclusive Design Strategies

Recognizing the diverse needs and challenges faced by older adults, the development of digital health tools must move beyond generic design principles to embrace innovative and inclusive strategies. User-centered and accessible design are paramount to fostering adoption and ensuring equitable benefits.

7.1 User-Centered Design (UCD) and Participatory Design

At the heart of inclusive design is the philosophy of User-Centered Design (UCD), which places the target users at the core of the development process. For older adults, this means actively involving them from the initial conceptualization phase through testing and refinement.

• Why UCD is Crucial: By engaging older adults directly, developers gain invaluable insights into their preferences, challenges, cognitive abilities, and motivations. This ensures that the final product addresses real needs, is intuitive to use, and aligns with their expectations, leading to higher adoption rates and greater satisfaction.
• Methods of Engagement: UCD employs various methods:
  • Interviews and Focus Groups: Gathering qualitative data on needs, experiences, and perceptions.
  • Ethnographic Studies: Observing older adults in their natural environments to understand technology use and barriers.
  • Co-design Workshops: Actively involving older adults as co-creators in the design process, allowing them to provide direct input on features, interfaces, and content.
  • Usability Testing: Observing older adults interacting with prototypes or beta versions to identify usability issues and areas for improvement.
• Benefits: UCD leads to more intuitive, accessible, and desirable products. It reduces the likelihood of costly redesigns post-launch and builds a sense of ownership and trust among the target demographic.

Beyond UCD, the concept of participatory design further emphasizes active collaboration, recognizing older adults not just as users but as expert partners in the creation process.

7.2 Simplified and Accessible Interfaces

Designing digital interfaces with the specific cognitive and sensory changes associated with aging in mind is fundamental to accessibility and usability. This involves applying principles from gerontechnology and accessibility guidelines.

• Visual Accessibility:
  • Larger Fonts and Adjustable Text Sizes: Crucial for individuals with presbyopia or other vision impairments.
  • High Contrast Colors: Ensuring sufficient contrast between text and background to improve readability.
  • Clear, Legible Typefaces: Sans-serif fonts are generally preferred.
  • Minimal Visual Clutter: Reducing distractions, using ample white space.
  • Intuitive Iconography: Using universally understood symbols rather than abstract or novel icons.
• Cognitive Accessibility:
  • Simplified Navigation: Linear, logical flows with minimal steps, clear ‘back’ buttons.
  • Consistent Layouts: Familiarity reduces cognitive load.
  • Clear and Concise Language: Avoiding jargon, using plain language.
  • Step-by-Step Instructions: Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
  • Feedback and Confirmation: Providing clear visual and auditory cues that an action has been registered (e.g., ‘Your appointment has been booked’).
  • Error Prevention and Forgiveness: Designing interfaces that minimize errors and allow easy undo actions.
• Motor and Auditory Accessibility:
  • Larger Touch Targets/Buttons: Accommodating reduced fine motor skills or tremors.
  • Voice Control and Dictation: Offering alternative input methods for those with dexterity issues.
  • Haptic Feedback: Vibrations to confirm input.
  • Adjustable Audio Volume and Captions: Crucial for hearing impairments and for comprehension in noisy environments.

Adherence to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and other international accessibility standards should be a mandatory requirement for all digital health solutions targeting older adults. This proactive approach ensures that technology is ‘built for all,’ rather than retrofitted for accessibility.

7.3 Multimodal Support and Training

Recognizing that older adults have diverse learning styles and preferences, providing support through multiple channels is essential for successful adoption and sustained engagement.

• In-Person Assistance: Still the gold standard for many, particularly at the initial learning stages. This can be provided by family, caregivers, community volunteers, or healthcare staff.
• Telephone Helpdesks: A familiar and accessible mode of support for immediate problem-solving, without requiring digital literacy to get help.
• Online Tutorials and Video Guides: Accessible for those who prefer self-paced learning, provided they can access and navigate them. These should be short, clear, and age-appropriate.
• Contextual Help within Apps: Integrated ‘help’ buttons, tooltips, or guided tours directly within the application can provide assistance at the point of need.
• AI Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: While still evolving, these can offer immediate answers to common questions, but must be designed for simplicity and clarity, and complemented by human support options.
• Peer Support Networks: Empowering tech-savvy older adults to assist their peers creates a supportive community learning environment.

The emphasis should be on offering a continuum of support, allowing older adults to choose the method that best suits their comfort level and learning style, ensuring that help is always available when needed.

7.4 Adaptive Technologies and Assistive Features

Beyond general accessibility, incorporating and integrating adaptive technologies and assistive features is crucial for older adults with more significant sensory or motor impairments.

• Screen Readers and Magnifiers: For visually impaired users, screen readers can verbalize on-screen content, while screen magnifiers enlarge specific areas.
• Voice Recognition and Speech-to-Text: Allows users to control devices and input text using their voice, bypassing challenges with typing or touch screens.
• Alternative Input Devices: Joysticks, trackballs, or specialized switches can provide alternatives to traditional keyboards and mice for those with severe motor impairments.
• Customizable Settings: Allowing users to personalize settings like font size, contrast, speed of interactions, and notification preferences makes technology more adaptable to individual needs.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices: For older adults with speech impediments, integration with AAC solutions can facilitate communication, including within telehealth settings.

Designers must consider how their applications interact with existing assistive technologies and build in features that minimize barriers for individuals requiring such support.

7.5 Interoperability and Ecosystem Integration

The digital health landscape can be fragmented, with numerous apps, devices, and platforms that do not communicate seamlessly. For older adults, this fragmentation adds significant complexity and acts as a barrier.

• Seamless Data Exchange: Ensuring that data from wearable devices can be easily integrated into patient portals or electronic health records (EHRs) simplifies health management and provides a holistic view for clinicians.
• Standardized APIs: Promoting open Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and industry standards facilitates interoperability between different systems, reducing the burden on users to manually transfer data or learn multiple disparate interfaces.
• Integrated Digital Health Ecosystems: Developing platforms that centralize various digital health services (telehealth, medication reminders, health tracking, patient education) into a single, cohesive interface can greatly simplify the user experience for older adults.
• Caregiver Portals: Enabling secure, authorized access for caregivers to monitor health data, manage appointments, and communicate with providers, with appropriate privacy safeguards, can enhance support for older adults.

An integrated ecosystem reduces cognitive load, minimizes frustration, and ensures that digital health tools work together to support comprehensive care, rather than operating in silos.

7.6 Ethical AI and Data Governance in Geriatric Care

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into digital health, particularly for older adults, ethical considerations and robust data governance are paramount to building trust and ensuring equitable outcomes.

• Bias Mitigation: AI algorithms can inadvertently perpetuate or amplify existing biases present in training data, potentially leading to discriminatory outcomes for older adults, particularly those from minority groups. Ethical design must actively work to identify and mitigate such biases.
• Transparency and Explainability: Older adults and their caregivers need to understand how AI-driven recommendations or diagnostics are made. ‘Black box’ AI systems can erode trust. AI models should be as transparent and explainable as possible.
• Privacy and Data Security: Given the sensitivity of health data and older adults’ concerns about privacy, AI systems must adhere to the highest standards of data security, anonymization, and privacy-by-design principles.
• Autonomy and Informed Consent: AI tools should augment, not replace, human judgment and patient autonomy. Older adults must provide informed consent for data collection and the use of AI in their care, understanding both the benefits and risks.
• Accountability: Clear lines of accountability must be established for AI failures or adverse outcomes, ensuring that patients and providers know who is responsible.

Developing ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks for AI in geriatric digital health is crucial to harness its potential benefits while safeguarding the rights and well-being of older adults.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

8. Recommendations

Effectively bridging the digital divide in geriatric care requires a concerted, multi-stakeholder effort, encompassing policy, infrastructure, education, design, and community engagement. The following recommendations provide a strategic framework for action:

8.1 Policy and Infrastructure Investments

1. Universal Broadband Access: Governments must prioritize and significantly invest in national broadband expansion programs, particularly targeting rural and underserved urban areas. This includes financial incentives for ISPs and the exploration of public-private partnerships to ensure robust, affordable, and high-speed internet connectivity for all households, reaching a defined minimum standard that supports modern digital health applications.
2. Sustained Funding for Internet Affordability Programs: Existing subsidized internet access programs (e.g., ACP) must receive stable, long-term funding. These programs should be simplified in terms of enrollment, actively promoted through diverse channels, and eligibility criteria broadened to ensure comprehensive coverage for all low-income older adults.
3. Device Affordability and Provision Initiatives: Implement and expand government-supported or privately funded programs that provide low-cost or free digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers) to older adults who cannot afford them. This should include options for devices with pre-installed simplified interfaces and essential health applications.
4. Regulatory Frameworks for Digital Health Equity: Develop and enforce policies that mandate accessibility standards for all publicly funded or commercially available digital health tools, ensuring compliance with established guidelines (e.g., WCAG). Establish regulatory oversight to ensure fairness, transparency, and non-discrimination in AI-driven health solutions for older adults.

8.2 Education and Support Systems

1. Comprehensive Digital Literacy Programs for Older Adults: Establish nationwide, standardized digital literacy training curricula specifically tailored to the unique learning needs and cognitive profiles of older adults. These programs should be delivered through community hubs (libraries, senior centers), healthcare providers, and intergenerational mentorship initiatives, emphasizing hands-on learning, practical health-related applications, and ongoing support.
2. Integrate Digital Health Education into Care Pathways: Healthcare providers should proactively educate older adults about available digital health tools, their benefits, and how to use them. This includes providing in-clinic technical assistance, clear instructional materials, and integrating digital health education into chronic disease management programs.
3. Caregiver Digital Health Training: Offer training and resources for informal and formal caregivers on how to assist older adults with digital health tools, manage patient portals, and understand remote monitoring data. Caregivers are often the primary facilitators of technology adoption for seniors.
4. Intergenerational Digital Mentorship Programs: Fund and promote programs that connect younger digital natives with older adults for one-on-one technology coaching. These programs foster mutual learning, reduce social isolation, and provide personalized, patient support.

8.3 Technology and Design Innovations

1. Mandatory User-Centered and Accessible Design: Require all developers of digital health applications and platforms intended for older adults to implement rigorous User-Centered Design (UCD) methodologies, actively involving seniors in the design, testing, and feedback loops. Compliance with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) should be non-negotiable.
2. Simplified and Intuitive Interfaces: Prioritize the development of digital health tools featuring large fonts, high contrast, clear iconography, uncluttered layouts, voice control options, and simplified navigation pathways. Designs should minimize cognitive load and accommodate age-related sensory and motor changes.
3. Multimodal Support Mechanisms: All digital health products should offer integrated, multimodal support options, including easily accessible in-app help, telephone support, online tutorials, and clear pathways to human assistance, catering to diverse learning preferences and immediate troubleshooting needs.
4. Promote Interoperability and Integrated Ecosystems: Advocate for and incentivize the development of interoperable digital health solutions that seamlessly share data between devices, applications, and Electronic Health Records (EHRs). This creates a cohesive and less fragmented user experience for older adults and their caregivers.
5. Ethical AI Development with Transparency: Implement ethical guidelines for the development and deployment of AI in geriatric health. Prioritize transparent and explainable AI models, actively mitigate algorithmic bias, ensure robust data privacy and security, and uphold patient autonomy and informed consent in all AI-driven health interventions.

8.4 Ecosystem and Community Engagement

1. Establish and Fund Community Technology Hubs: Expand the network of accessible community technology hubs (libraries, senior centers, community clinics) equipped with devices, internet access, and trained staff/volunteers. These hubs should offer ongoing digital literacy training and support, tailored to older adults’ needs.
2. Public-Private-Nonprofit Partnerships: Foster strong collaborations between government agencies, private technology and telecom companies, healthcare systems, and non-profit community organizations. These partnerships can pool resources, expertise, and outreach capabilities to implement comprehensive digital inclusion strategies.
3. Awareness Campaigns: Launch national and local awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of digital health for older adults, demystify technology, and promote available support resources. These campaigns should use trusted messengers and traditional media alongside digital channels to reach all segments of the older population.
4. Research and Evaluation: Continuously invest in research to understand the evolving digital divide in geriatric care, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and identify emerging best practices. Data-driven insights are crucial for refining strategies and ensuring optimal resource allocation.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

9. Conclusion

The digital revolution offers an unparalleled opportunity to transform geriatric care, promising enhanced health outcomes, greater independence, and improved quality of life for older adults. However, the realization of this vision is critically contingent upon dismantling the pervasive and multifaceted barriers of the digital divide. This report has illuminated the intricate causes—spanning financial, geographical, educational, psychological, and sociocultural dimensions—and the profound effects of this divide, ranging from limited access to vital telehealth services and health management tools to the exacerbation of health disparities and increased social isolation.

The imperative to bridge this gap is not merely a matter of technological advancement, but a fundamental commitment to health equity and social justice. While significant challenges persist, a comprehensive and collaborative approach, integrating robust policy interventions, sustained infrastructure investments, tailored educational programs, and innovative, user-centered design strategies, holds the key to creating a truly inclusive digital health ecosystem.

By actively involving older adults in the design process, ensuring equitable access to affordable devices and reliable internet, fostering digital literacy through empathetic support, and leveraging public-private partnerships, stakeholders can collectively work towards a future where age is not a barrier to digital engagement in healthcare. The journey towards a fully inclusive digital health landscape for older adults requires ongoing dedication, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better health and well-being in the digital age. It is through these concerted efforts that the transformative potential of technology can genuinely serve all segments of our aging population, fostering a healthier, more connected, and more equitable society.

Many thanks to our sponsor Esdebe who helped us prepare this research report.

References

• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide_in_the_United_States
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• bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-024-05612-y
• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29661052/
• en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_divide
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• bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-17922-2
• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35893307/
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• pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25156311/