Older Adults' Experiences and Perceptions of Using Digital Technology for Health Purposes: a Qualitative Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore older adults' experiences and perceptions of using digital technology for health purposes. In this descriptive qualitative study, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 25 older adults. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Three themes emerged from the analysis: purposes of using digital health technologies, barriers to adoption, and perceived benefits. Older adults in this study reported using digital technologies for various health-related purposes, including searching for medical information, making medical appointments, receiving informative messages and reminders, and tracking personal medical records. Participants reported several barriers, including lack of digital literacy, perceptions of being too old to learn, age-related changes, economic constraints, dependence on family support, and concerns related to digital technologies. The findings suggest that older adult users should be considered in the design of digital health technologies to increase their adoption and effective use of digital health tools. © 2025 Elsevier Inc.