People greater than 70 years old are adopting more telehealth offerings and are more satisfied with them, according to a telehealth attitudes report from Independa. More than 93% of this demographic said they would like to have a telehealth option, compared to 84% last year. Almost 86% attended telehealth appointments during the past year (75% last year). Eighty-five percent of those who attended such appointments enjoyed their experience (74% last year).

Telehealth Attitudes Report

This was the third annual survey on the topic by Independa. It was based on 1,000 respondents. Other findings:

• 66% of older adults are more concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic now than they were in 2021.
• 97% of children with older adult parents living alone are concerned about their health and worry about isolation.
• The top 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 said that they are interested in tele-dentistry, remote mental health and counseling, music therapy and remote physical therapy.

The survey sought input on this group’s technology habits. Two-thirds said they only had a little bit of savvy, but two-thirds said setting up telehealth appointments was easy. Televisions were by far the favorite “screen” this demographic uses. The survey found that 93% watch television every day, with almost 10% watching for more than nine hours.

“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,” Independa Founder and CEO Kian Saneii said in a press release. “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.”

Independa provides a TV-based social engagement, education and care platform.