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People & Culture
Generation Boomer // GenerationBoomerMagazine.com
Generation Boomer // GenerationBoomerMagazine.com
People & Culture
Seniors Are Are Embracing Technology: Seniors Embracing Technology:
From Healthcare Needs To Binge Watching From Healthcare Needs To Binge Watching
J
ust call them 'Silver Techies'. Medicare eligible seniors are embracing technology and loving it. Six in ten are embracing technology more during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new healthinsurance.com survey.
Seniors are using technology for their healthcare needs. The survey reveals an incredible 340% increase in telemedicine usage among Medicare recipients since the start of COVID-19. One-third report ordering their prescriptions from an online pharmacy. And it's not just telemedicine and the internet. Nearly one-third say they monitor their health using a wearable. In fact, 4 in 10 are interested in a wearable that helps them and those around them maintain appropriate social distance. The survey also explores seniors' internet usage, healthcare
cost concerns, Medicare enrollment, grandma and grandpa's binge-watching habits, and more.
COVID-19 Impact
The coronavirus pandemic is affecting seniors' daily habits and family life; 38% haven't seen their kids or grandkids in person since mid-March. More than half have put off a dentist appointment because of COVID-19. Six in ten have only left the house to go food shopping or to the pharmacy during COVID-19. On the flip side 27% say they have left their house whenever they wanted during the pandemic. Thirty -five percent are worried about contracting COVID-19 because they may be hit with a surprise bill. Nearly 4 in 10 think those who have a Medicare Advantage plan and who contract COVID-19 are getting better care. Twelve percent used the special enrollment period to enroll in Medicare during COVID-19.
Telemedicine Is Trending
Telemedicine is trending among those on Medicare. Prior to COVID-19 only 1 in 10 used telemedicine. During COVID-19, 44% have used telemedicine and 43% say they intend on using it after. Of those who used telemedicine, 58% say they have used it just once and 30% report using it once a month. Two-thirds of those who haven't tried telemedicine said the reason is simply because they haven't needed the service.
