Any thought of digital technology catering exclusively to a young audience has now become a thing of the past. This is most true when dealing with the all-important topic of healthcare. With the aging population rapidly growing, senior citizens are looking at digital technology as a new way to help manage their health and well-being. According to a recent survey done by Accenture Health, 57% of senior citizens are turning towards the digital realm when it comes to handling their healthcare needs.

Although companies such as eCaring and VideoCare are marketing products that offer a direct social platform with caregivers, many seniors are interested in a simple online scheduling system that can instantly put them in touch with their doctors. Accenture states that only one-third of the nation’s healthcare providers currently offer this resource.

Here are some key findings from the report that pertain to senior citizens, their attitudes towards their health provider’s technological capabilities and the difficulties they face in accessing desired tools:

  • Two-thirds of seniors (67 percent) surveyed say that access to their health information is important, but only 28 percent currently have full access to their electronic health records.
  • Seventy percent of those surveyed believe it’s important to be able to request prescription refills electronically, but, fewer than half (46 percent) say they can do so today.
  • Fifty-eight percent want to be able to email healthcare providers, but only 15 percent say they currently have that capability.

“As the digitally engaged senior patient population continues to grow, healthcare systems need to consider the role the Internet can play in making healthcare more convenient for patients of all ages at every touch point,” said Jill Dailey, Accenture Health’s managing director of payer strategy.

If you’re in healthcare, insurance, technology or other professional services industries, and need help with a PR, marketing or social media campaign, contact Scott Public Relations.

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