7 Ways Digital Health Tools Can Help Seniors Stay Healthy

Digital Health Week* takes place from November 29 to December 5. McMaster University says virtual medical visits, health-monitoring mobile phone apps, and text-message medication reminders are all ways digital health tools and technologies are helping seniors Canadians stay healthy and manage chronic conditions more effectively*, in addition to in-person medical care.




A study by ICES, Ontario's largest health research, and data organization, found that in the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person doctor visits dropped by 79%, while those virtual medical visits have increased by 5,600%*. According to the Canadian Medical Association, Canadians who have connected with a physician virtually have a satisfaction rate of 91%*.

Here are tips on how digital health tools can help seniors enjoy better physical and mental health:

  1. Wear a step counter to move more. Spending too much time sitting can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and depression*. Studies show that people who use step counters, such as pedometers or accelerometers, reduce their sedentary time and their health risks*.

  2. Use text messages to facilitate medication management. Up to 50% of adults with serious chronic conditions do not take their medications as prescribed, which can have adverse health consequences*. People with chronic conditions who receive text messages reminding and encouraging them to take their medications are more likely to do so by following prescriptions*.

  3. Get digital support for physiotherapy. SWORD Health has created a digital platform in Portugal, currently being tested in Canada, which allows seniors to do physiotherapy independently at home, with the virtual support of a clinical team*.

  4. Monitor his blood pressure. Apps like Qardio, Blood Pressure Tracker, and Blood Pressure Companion can help seniors and their caregivers monitor their blood pressure and determine the effectiveness of lifestyle changes and medications*.

  5. Get mental health support virtually. Free mental health resources, such as Wellness Together Canada's national portal* and the Canadian Mental Health Association*'s BounceBack program, provide easy access to counseling and coaching over the phone, as well as peer support groups to help deal with anxiety, depression, grief, and loss.

  6. Make video calls to strengthen social connections. According to the University of Waterloo, seniors who used video calling technologies, such as Zoom, FaceTime, and WhatsApp, had a significantly lower risk of depression*. Video calls can help seniors communicate regularly with family and friends and be virtually present at important celebrations.

  7. Support and follow-up for people with cognitive deficits. DataDay, a Canadian app, provides daily support and reminders for people with early or mild cognitive deficits*. Audio, text, and visual messages remind them to perform tasks like meal preparation and can help families and clinicians remotely assess the person's condition and detect emerging issues.
Location: India

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