Telehealth and the Elderly: A Scoping Review on Technology Use, Adoption Barriers, and Health Outcomes

Purpose: Telehealth is reshaping elderly healthcare, yet most research focuses on younger users, overlooking older adults' challenges. This scoping review explores (1) telehealth technologies used by elderly individuals, (2) barriers and facilitators affecting adoption and satisfaction, and (3) telehealth’s effectiveness and cost-efficiency compared to traditional care.

Methods: Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework³¹, updated by Levac et al.,³² we reviewed peer-reviewed studies (2015–2024) from PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Studies examining telehealth use, adoption barriers, facilitators, satisfaction, usability, cost-effectiveness, or clinical outcomes in adults aged 60+ were included. Independent reviewers conducted data extraction and charting.

Results: Thirty studies identified various telehealth technologies, including mHealth apps, wearables, remote monitoring, and video consultations. While telehealth improved healthcare access and chronic disease management, adoption was hindered by digital literacy gaps, cognitive impairments, usability challenges, and limited caregiver support. Social and caregiver involvement were key facilitators. Cost-effectiveness analyses suggested reduced hospitalizations and emergency visits, though concerns about infrastructure costs, reimbursement, and access disparities persist.

Conclusion: Telehealth enhances elderly healthcare access but faces barriers in usability, digital literacy, and social support. Future efforts should focus on user-friendly design, digital inclusion, and economic evaluations to promote sustainable adoption.