The Challenges of Digital Health Adoption in the Elderly
The elderly are often overlooked when it comes to digital health developments. While younger generations are the primary target audience, it’s important to recognize the potential benefits that digital health can offer to seniors. However, there are several factors that hinder the adoption of digital health in the elderly:
1. Lack of Age-Specific Devices
Many devices in the market are designed with younger customers in mind, rather than specifically focusing on the needs of the elderly. This results in usability issues, as the elderly may struggle to see the screen or understand the purpose of the device.
2. Limited Awareness and Consideration
Older individuals may not even consider using digital health technologies, as they may not be aware of the potential benefits or believe that these technologies are suitable for their age group.
3. Financial Barriers
Digital health devices can be costly, and the elderly are more likely to have a tight budget. This poses a significant barrier to adoption, as affordability is a key consideration for seniors.
Breaking Down Barriers: Making Technology Work for Seniors
Despite the challenges, there is growing evidence that technology can be made accessible and beneficial for seniors. The key lies in addressing the perception and attitude towards digital health technologies:
1. Perceived Usefulness and Ease of Use
Studies have shown that attitudes towards digital health technologies are significantly influenced by perceived usefulness and ease of use. If seniors believe that these technologies are useful and user-friendly, they are more likely to adopt and benefit from them. Tech literacy also plays a role, as being informed about technology increases optimism and positive attitudes.
2. Selling Points: Prolonged Independence
One of the strongest selling points for digital health in seniors is the ability to prolong independence. Most elderly individuals want to live in their own homes for as long as possible, and digital health technologies can support this goal. Aging in place, the ability to live independently and comfortably regardless of age, income, or ability level, is a primary concern for seniors.
3. Overcoming Digital Health Literacy Gap
There is a significant gap in digital health literacy among the elderly. Limited research and focus on this population have contributed to the lack of understanding and awareness of digital health technologies. It is crucial to address this gap and provide education and support to improve digital health literacy among seniors.
Addressing Exclusion and Driving Change
To ensure that digital health is inclusive of all age groups, it is essential to address the structural, environmental, socio-technical, and individual factors that contribute to exclusion of older adults:
1. Structural Divides: Policy and Market Influence
Structural factors, such as policies and market dynamics, influence social norms and values. By adopting a proactive policymaking approach, addressing the needs of older adults can be prioritized. Policies that promote accessibility and affordability can bridge the gap and ensure that seniors have equal access to digital health services.
2. Environmental Factors: Improving Technological Infrastructure
Technological infrastructure plays a crucial role in enabling the adoption of digital health. While infrastructure is not usually developed with the elderly in mind, improvements benefit all age groups. Investing in technological advancements and ensuring accessibility can break down environmental barriers.
3. Socio-Technical Limits: Business Rationale for Senior Tech
Product design and development are driven by business perspectives. To encourage the development of digital health technologies for seniors, there needs to be a clear business rationale. Highlighting the potential cost savings in healthcare spending can incentivize tech companies to invest in senior-focused solutions.
Conclusion
While there are challenges to overcome, digital health has the potential to greatly benefit the elderly population. By addressing the barriers to adoption and driving change at the policy, infrastructure, and business levels, we can ensure that seniors are not left behind in the digital health revolution. It’s time to recognize the value of technology in promoting the health and well-being of all age groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between holistic medicine and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats certain organs, systems, or diseases (e.g. the brain), while holistic medicines consider all aspects and the entire body. It examines how lifestyle choices impact overall health and wellness.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief that mind and body interact with each other and have an influence on one another
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Natural products are better than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
What are the five domains of integrative medical care?
The five domains of integrative medicine include mind-body, nutrition, social determinants, lifestyle, and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine seeks to address all aspects of health and wellness. It includes conventional medical treatments and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- Lack of scientific evidence. Only a few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the benefits of holistic therapies. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatment, but they don’t prescribe them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer alternative treatments to going to the doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- Patients must be taught about various treatments in order to make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. For example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, digestive tract, and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
Difference between allopathic and alternative medicine
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
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If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: Are You Too Old To Use Digital Health?
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/are-you-too-old-to-use-digital-health
Published Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2023 09:00:00 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between holistic medicine and traditional medicine?
Traditional medicine is concerned with treating symptoms. Holistic medicine addresses the whole person. Holistic medicine looks at the patient as a whole rather than just focusing on one aspect of his/her health.
Traditional medicine treats certain organs, systems, or diseases (e.g. the brain), while holistic medicines consider all aspects and the entire body. It examines how lifestyle choices impact overall health and wellness.
What are the benefits of complementary and alternative medicine?
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an umbrella term for medical practices used by people who believe they are not getting adequate help from allopathic medicine. These include herbal medicines, mind-body therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, homeopathy, chiropractic care, traditional Chinese medicine, biofeedback, hypnosis, and spiritual healing. Because they are not part of the standard medical treatment system, CAM practitioners will often recommend alternative therapies. Many CAM therapies include elements of conventional medicine. There are a variety of forms of acupuncture, including those that use needles and others that use heat or moxibustion.
Some CAM therapies can be effective for pain relief, stress management, relaxation, sleep disorders, and anxiety. They may improve your general well-being as well as reduce fatigue. Some CAM therapies are used to treat specific conditions, including fibromyalgia. Other CAM treatments may be just as enjoyable.
There is no definitive definition of CAM. However, most definitions include at a minimum one of the following:
- A holistic perspective that looks at the whole person, including body, mind as well as spirit and environment.
- The belief that mind and body interact with each other and have an influence on one another
- An individual’s belief that illness is due to an imbalance in his/her environment.
- A treatment that focuses on the whole person instead of just the symptoms
- Combination between Eastern philosophy and Western science
- Mind, body, and spirit-integrated treatment methods
- Natural products are better than synthetic chemicals
- Touch of healing
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Yoga
- Herbal remedies
- Homeopathy
- Chiropractic care
- Massage therapy
- Hypnotherapy
- Spiritual healing
- Biofeedback
- Nutritional counseling
- Energy healing
There are potential risks to certain CAM therapies, in addition to the potential benefits. Some therapies can cause serious harm or even death if practiced incorrectly. Other therapies have potential side effects which must be considered against the perceived benefits. If you are considering using any CAM, discuss these issues with your doctor before deciding whether to try them.
What are the five domains of integrative medical care?
The five domains of integrative medicine include mind-body, nutrition, social determinants, lifestyle, and prevention. These five areas address all aspects of health care, including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and environmental well-being.
Integrative medicine seeks to address all aspects of health and wellness. It includes conventional medical treatments and complementary therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, meditation, massage therapy, herbal medicine, chiropractic care, nutritional counseling, and biofeedback.
Statistics
- According to the World Health Organization, 80% of people use herbal medicine worldwide. (webmd.com)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- In 83% of the cases, the readers agreed. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The concept of regression toward the mean implies that an extreme result is more likely to be followed by a less extreme result. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- PubMed: The rise and rise in complementary and alternative medicine: A sociological perspective
- Holistic medicine – PubMed
doi.org
cam.cancer.gov
nccih.nih.gov
- Statistics on Complementary, Integrative and Health Approaches
- How do you name complementary, alternative, or integrative health? NCCIH
How To
What are the advances and drawbacks of holistic medicine?
Holistic medicine, a type of medical practice, emphasizes the importance and interdependence of mind, spirit, environment, social factors, and the healing process. The concept was developed by Dr. Edward Bach (1886-1936), in the late 19th century. His first book, The Doctor’s Book of Mind Cure (in 1924), is his first. He relied on simple techniques like visualization, meditation, and hypnosis. People suffering from anxiety, depression and pain can benefit from this treatment. Additionally, patients can use this therapy to help them cope with their problems. It also improves their quality of living.
While holistic therapies remain popular today, little evidence supports their effectiveness. Some studies have shown that holistic therapies can reduce the symptoms of chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, arthritis, headaches, heart disease, hypertension and migraines, as well as other diseases such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, bone fractures, and obesity.
Advances and shortcomings of holistic medicine are:
- Lack of scientific evidence. Only a few well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluate the benefits of holistic therapies. Most researches are observational studies that show positive results.
- Comparable to traditional medicine, alternative medicines are less expensive. Alternative medicines are more affordable than traditional medicine, especially if the patient follows natural eating habits.
- Patients do NOT feel pressured or compelled to follow prescribed protocols.
- Many doctors recommend complementary treatment, but they don’t prescribe them.
- Many holistic therapies can be used alongside conventional medicine. For example acupuncture is commonly combined with medication and surgery.
- Alternative therapies are believed to be more effective than conventional medicine.
- Alternative medicines can be considered more natural than conventional drugs.
- Many patients seek out complementary therapies to help them adapt their lifestyles. They not only want their health to be good, but they also want to have fun with their lives.
- Patients who practice holistic therapies are healthier.
- The popularity of holistic therapies is growing among seniors.
- More research needs to be conducted on complementary treatments.
- Studies show that most people prefer alternative treatments to going to the doctor.
- Doctors should understand that not every patient will benefit from alternative treatment.
- Holistic treatments should be part of our culture and education system.
- Holistic treatments are not always safe.
- Patients must be taught about various treatments in order to make informed decisions.
- Holistic treatments don’t just appeal to hippies.
- Holistic treatments cannot cure certain diseases.
- Sometimes, holistic treatments can be dangerous.
- Specific conditions may benefit from holistic treatment.
- Holistic treatments are very effective.
- Holistic treatments are based off ancient wisdom.
- It is easy to learn holistic treatments.
- It can be difficult to learn holistic therapies.
- Holistic treatments can be difficult to master.
- Holistic treatments can be expensive.
- Holistic treatments can be very costly.
- Holistic treatments are less expensive than conventional medicine.
- Holistic treatments are more expensive than conventional medicine.
****
A Brief History of Holistic Medicine
Holistic medicine is a system of healing that focuses on treating the whole person instead of just their symptoms. It addresses all aspects, including the physical, emotional and mental, as well as cultural, social, occupational, environmental, and cultural factors. It emphasizes prevention rather than cure and aims to prevent disease through diet, exercise, relaxation, stress management, etc.
Bastyr University, Seattle was the first school to offer holistic medicine. It was founded in 1972. Holistic medicine grew after Dr. Andrew Weil’s book “Spontaneous Healing” was published in 1996. Dr. David Williams and Michael Murray established the American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA). Today there are hundreds of holistic medical schools all around the globe, including Bastyr University. Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons. Maharishi Ayurveda Institute. Pacific School of Oriental Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2013 was the year holistic medicine was declared one of the five main trends in healthcare by the World Health Organization. This trend involves integrating conventional medicine with complementary therapies such acupuncture (homeopathy), herbalism, massage treatment, reiki and yoga. This integration aims to provide safe, effective, patient-centered care while minimizing side effects and costs.
Holistic medicine is based on the interconnectedness and harmony of the body, mind, spirit. If any of these three elements are out of balance, illness can occur. For example:
You become tense and out of balance when your mind is stressed or anxious. Cortisol, which is a hormone that promotes inflammation throughout the body, is what your body produces. You feel weak, tired, and sick as a result.
Anxiety and negative emotions can lead to anxiety, fear, grief, sadness, and other unpleasant feelings. These feelings can lead to stress in the brain. If this stress is not treated, your body will produce adrenaline or cortisol. Adrenaline can increase your heart rate and blood pressure as well as your breathing rate. Cortisol affects your immune system, digestive tract, and nervous system. Both hormones can cause fatigue and muscle tension, headaches as well as dizziness.
A depressed spirit can lead to a loss of faith and hope. You might also experience low self-esteem, confidence, and lack of self-confidence. This could result in poor eating habits, unhealthy relationships and low energy. When your spirit is healthy, you feel happy, joyous, peaceful, and optimistic.
Difference between allopathic and alternative medicine
Allopathic medicine is based upon the scientific method. To diagnose patients, doctors use x-rays and MRIs as well as CAT scans and other technologies. They may also prescribe medications or surgery if necessary. Allopathic doctors believe they are able to diagnose and treat illness. Alternative medicine includes herbs, vitamins, minerals and exercise. It also includes spiritual healing, emotional support, and diet. Alternative medicine can be defined in many ways. Some people call it natural medicine, integrative medicine, and complementary medicine. It is also known as traditional medicine or naturopathic medicine.
