Seniors embracing easy-to-use technologies

One of the biggest obstacles that RPM companies face when selling RPM is physician’s pushback that “my senior patients don’t want to use technology.” But Covid dramatically accelerated the use of technology by seniors. They adopted cell phones, online shopping, texting, streaming TV, and video conferencing to stay connected to friends and families and stay in their homes. Cellular medical devices are easier to use than many of the technologies that seniors now use regularly.

Research from the AARP shows that seniors not only adopted technology out of necessity during Covid, but they are more interested in learning about technology than ever before.

• 44% of older adults have a more positive view of technology post-pandemic
• Adults over 50 increased their average spending on tech from $394 to $1144 a year
• 54% of people over 50 want to learn more about technology
• 46% of people over 70 said they would use technology more if they knew how to
• 40% of older adults have used technology for healthcare, including telehealth and ordering medications 

Many healthcare providers underestimate the willingness of seniors to use technology. That said, interest in technology and confidence in using it are two different things. 

71% of seniors 50-59 are very confident or somewhat confident in their ability to use technology compared to just 48% of those 70+.  Providers need to understand seniors' comfort with different technologies and provide solutions that meet their abilities. 

Barriers to technology adoption

While the AARP research was overall very positive about senior’s adoption of technology, they identified several barriers that still exist. Fortunately, using simple cellular devices in RPM programs can overcome these barriers.

• User Experience:  Many seniors are already used to using “non-connected” blood pressure devices. Cellular RPM devices function the same way. A patient simply pushes one button to take a reading and automatically transmit it to their physician.  Cellular scales are even easier – a patient simply steps on and off.
• Installation and Adoption:  Complicated Bluetooth devices that require apps, regular updates, and syncing can be overwhelming for seniors. Cellular RPM devices require no set-up and can be used right out of the box.
• Trust and Privacy:  Security is critical for cellular devices that are transmitting protected health information and are subject to cyberattacks. Seniors need to understand that their physician and RPM device provider have taken all the necessary steps to ensure privacy and security. For RPM providers, this means selecting devices that operate on a closed system and have medical-grade, certificate-based authentication and security.

Patients like RPM

Medical Economics reported that 67% of physicians and healthcare executives believe RPM has a significant impact on patient satisfaction. Technology barriers that existed 10-20 years ago are disappearing because patients are adopting technology more quickly and devices are becoming easier to use. 

Furthermore, today’s 50+ older adults who are more confident with technology will soon be the 60+ and 70+ patients. And even with the 70+ age group, how you approach technology can make a huge difference. Older seniors are more comfortable learning about new technologies from an individual, not an online class or tutorial. A 1:1 RPM onboarding appointment with a nurse or medical assistant provides exactly that opportunity.

RPM devices can be simple

Continua Systems offers a range of secure, easy-to-use cellular devices that seniors can easily use. If your prospects are underestimating their patient’s abilities, share the AARP research with them. And then see how easy device operations can be with Continua.  Contact us to learn more.