Independa has announced the results of its third-annual commissioned survey examining behaviors of U.S. adults over 70.
Results from the annual study found an upward trend in the adoption and satisfaction of telehealth offerings. Over 93 percent of older adults said they would like to have a telehealth option, compared with 84 percent in 2021. Nearly 86 percent of older adults attended telehealth appointments in the last year, compared with 75 percent in the previous year. Of those attending telehealth appointments, 85 percent enjoyed their experience, compared to 74 percent in 2021.
The nationwide survey of 1,000 American adults also found that:
- 66 percent of older adults are more concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic now than they were in 2021.
- 97 percent of children with older adult parents are concerned about the health of their parents living alone and worry about their isolation.
- The top three reasons older adult parents consider using telehealth is to have regular checkups with primary care, monitor chronic conditions, and monitor recovery from an illness.
- Respondents also said that they are interested in tele-dentistry, remote mental health and counseling, music therapy, and remote physical therapy.
“We are thrilled to be helping drive increased adoption of telehealth among older adults and the comfort this brings to those caring for their parents and loved ones looking to live independently for as long as possible,” says Kian Saneii, founder and CEO of Independa. “The pandemic isn’t over, but regardless, the new norm is to deliver more flexible, more personalized, more cost effective, and more convenient health and wellness options in the home in general, but particularly for older adults.”
Survey respondents were also asked about their technology habits. Two out of three people responded that they were only a little bit technically savvy, yet two-thirds found setting up telehealth appointments to be easy. When asked which screen devices older adults are most adept at using, the television was by far the highest ranked device. In fact, the survey found that 94 percent of older adults watch TV every day, with nearly 10 percent watching TV for more than nine hours per day.
Founded in 2009, Independa, Inc, is a TV-based social engagement, education, and care platform. Independa transforms any television into a simplified, bi-directional engagement window to the world, enabling those who are difficult to reach and socially isolated to connect with caregivers and loved ones.
