Remote Care Technology and Older Adults - Filling in the basics 2020

Technology was essential for many adults stuck at home during the pandemic, providing some social connection, access to online shopping, home delivery services, and requests for transportation. But it also became apparent that some older adults were shut out from these due to limitations in vision, hearing, dexterity, and even dementia.  And for some, technologies were not affordable – median income of a household age 75+ is $34,925. Yet it is also becoming apparent that organizations that serve older adults realize that gaps exist. They are increasingly motivated and will strive to ramp up efforts to deliver a greater degree of access than the numbers show today. What are the key dimensions that need to be addressed moving forward?

• Broadband access.  In the 2020 OTI report, The Cost of Connectivity, researchers examined 296 data plans in the US, finding that only 64 of them meet the FCC definition of broadband.  According to the report, most of the US plans are in places that lack competition, leading to high prices and hidden fees. In-home and high-speed access to the Internet is still elusive for many in the US.  According to Pew Research in 2020, 21 million Americans lack access to broadband, as well as 60% of healthcare facilities outside of metropolitan areas. Looked at by age, 27% of the 65+ population lack access to broadband.   Senior living and nursing homes have long lagged in delivering broadband access though that is likely to change.

• Device access.  Even if older adults had at least regional access to broadband, the devices they are using may not be up to the engagement, healthcare, or smarter home opportunities that would improve quality of life. And a sizable percentage do not own an appropriate device.  According to AARP’s December 2019 research report, 62% of those aged 70+ own a smartphone and 40% own a tablet.  And even if they did, they might need help with an up-to-date Internet router, managing software upgrades, and avoiding spam and web threats. While smart speakers and voice assistants have improved ease of use and seamless upgrades, both depend on broadband to work properly.

• Training access.  For those older adults who own the right devices to obtain access, have Internet connectivity, they may need assistance in getting started with use of remote care technologies.  A popular engagement tool like Zoom have a less than intuitive user interface for the uninitiated, prompting a 9-page guide from Senior Planet , as well as senior living organizations providing a Zoom guide. And one of the key requirements for video tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams is helping people get and/or position a camera.

[This is the last blog post in the series about report The Future of Remote Care Technology and Older Adults 2020.