Using IT to improve healthcare for seniors

Using IT to improve healthcare for seniors As the demographic tidal wave of baby boomers approaches retirement and old age, our already challenged ability to meet the health care needs of the growing number of seniors is likely to be overwhelmed. This crisis demands fresh thinking and new approaches. Research suggests that certain emerging information technology (IT) applications show promise in improving health and safety for seniors at home by improving the flow of information among healthcare personnel, family members and seniors. But despite the appeal of these technologies, progress toward wide-scale deployment has been slow. This issue brief discusses the challenges facing seniors who are aging at home, and how technology can help promote their health and well-being.