Perceived benefits of digital health and social services among older adults: A population-based cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the benefits of digital health and social services perceived by older adults and to examine factors associated with perceiving these benefits. Several factors related to (a) sociodemographic characteristics, (b) area of residence, (c) physical, cognitive, psychological, and social functioning, and (d) Internet use, were examined. Methods The present sample included 8019 respondents aged between 75 and 99 years. The inverse probability weighting method was used to correct for bias. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the associations. Results The ease of use of the services regardless of the time and location was perceived as the most beneficial. Convenient distance to local health or social services (parameter estimate = 0.15 [0.08–0.23]), good functional ability (PE = 0.08 [0.01–0.14]), good vision (PE = 0.15 [0.04–0.25]), ability to learn (PE = 0.05 [0.01–0.10]) and living with someone (PE = 0.08 [95% CI 0.04–0.13]) were associated with perceiving more benefits. In addition, access to the Internet (PE = 0.12 [0.06–0.19]) and independent use of the Internet (PE = 0.23 [0.17–0.29]) were associated with perceiving more benefits. Conclusions Older adults who are healthier, have a social relationship in their everyday life or have easier access to traditional services seem to perceive more benefits from digital health and social services. Digital services should be developed to correspond with special needs caused by disadvantages in health and the social environment. To facilitate the use of digital health and social services, more efforts should be made to enhance older adults’ perceptions of their benefits.

The use of digital occupational health services among employer customers: A cross-sectional study

“…Previously it has been shown that perceived usefulness and ease of use affects positively on the use of digital health services [26,27]. This also supports our findings that HR professionals with more positive attitudes on digital services also use these tools more frequently.…”

“…According to the national OH development guidelines [9] digital OH services should be developed alongside the traditional services, and especially for the needs for small enterprises and for the entrepreneurs. More information is needed, how digital OH services should be developed to correspond with the needs of different users, e.g., the entrepreneurs [26].…”

Exploring the use, usefulness and ease of use of digital occupational health services: A descriptive correlational study of customer experiences

“…Previous studies point to the same conclusion that digital health services are often considered useful and easy to use by those individuals who have the skills necessary for using digital services, 23 and for whom the use is the easiest and most convenient. 24 However, users’ limited ICT skills might have hindered their use of digital health services. 16 , 25 , 36 …”

“…The results are in line with previous studies. 23 , 33 , 35 , 37 However, it is noteworthy, as highlighted by Kainiemi et al (2023), 24 that as individuals age, they will inevitably face challenges in using digital services unless the development of these services explicitly considers age-related needs.…”

“… 22 , 23 Consequently, individuals who possess good information and communication technology (ICT) skills and for whom it is easy and convenient to use digital health services are likely to find it easier to use digital health services and access their potential benefits. 24 , 25 In general, OH customers have the skills necessary to use digital health services. 3 …”