Advancements in technology have allowed telehealth providers to develop innovative solutions that make it easier for senior citizens to access healthcare.
With a suitable digital device and stable Wi-Fi connection, senior citizens can access the healthcare services they need whenever and wherever they want.
Telehealth Opens the Door for Improved Healthcare
Telehealth brings healthcare to the homes of senior citizens. They can use the digital platforms to easily access a plethora of medical related services.
The technology allows senior citizens to chat with medical professionals where they can describe symptoms and receive health advice without stepping outside their front door.
It can often be the best option for elderly people who may find it difficult to travel for an in-person appointment at a land-based medical facility.
Telehealth reduces unnecessary visits to the hospital, lowers the time and cost of making such trips, and provides faster access to healthcare services.
It reduces the burden on caregivers who may otherwise be tasked with keeping an eye on these patients 24/7 and improves satisfaction through more personal conversations.
One of telehealth’s most powerful applications for senior citizens is the management of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and heart disease.
In cases like these, remote monitoring such as wearable devices are a game-changer, particularly for patients who require all-round care.
How Senior Citizens In Australia Benefit From Telehealth
Australia was one of the first nations to recognise the power of telehealth and take it seriously when the global COVID-19 pandemic was running wild.
It started out as an alternative to in-person appointments due to the nationwide lockdown, but has since become a preferred option for many Australians.
According to a 2024 survey, 79 percent of patients view telehealth as an essential option alongside in-person care, while 64% believe it’s an easier way to access general practitioners.
Australian senior citizens benefit greatly from the ability to connect with specialists from around the country without having to travel. However, it can be difficult to identify the top providers.
Impartial comparison platforms such as Medicompare are a vital resource in this regard. The site connects senior citizens to a wide range of reputable companies who provide the best telehealth services in the country.
Many older Australians are socially isolated, but telehealth addresses that issue. Virtual appointments give them a chance to build a seamless connection with their care providers.
Not every senior citizen knows their way around modern technology, which can be an issue. However, training is available to ensure they benefit from digital healthcare services.
Telehealth And ‘Ageing In Place’ In The US
Telehealth has become closely linked to the concept of ‘ageing in place’ in the United States, with many senior citizens opting to remain in their own homes.
According to an AARP survey, more than three-quarters of adults over 50 want to stay in familiar surroundings as they get older, and telehealth helps to make it possible by bringing healthcare directly into the home.
That desire is more profound in rural America, where a higher percentage of adults over 65 live compared to urban areas.
Medical facilities and high-quality care can be hard to come by in these areas, but telehealth has levelled the playing field by eliminating the need to travel.
Telehealth makes the best specialists easily accessible, with senior citizens in remote regions able to use their services without geography or travel costs getting in the way.
Some of the biggest telehealth providers in the US, such as Teladoc Health, Amwell, MDLIVE and Sesame, have started diversifying their offerings.
Aside from providing primary care, they now cater to mental health services, chronic disease management and even specialist consultations.
Many telehealth providers have also tweaked their interface and offered clear guidance to make it easier for senior citizens to navigate their platforms.
