A recent PYMNTS-Lynx study challenges stereotypes about baby boomers' resistance to technology, revealing that 64% of baby boomers and seniors actively engage with digital healthcare activities. The findings indicate a significant openness among older individuals to leverage technology for managing medical services and benefits. Moreover, baby boomers and seniors report higher satisfaction rates for digital healthcare experiences compared to the average consumer, particularly in activities such as scheduling appointments, accessing digital pharmacies, and refilling prescriptions online.
The survey highlights that older individuals are not only embracing digital channels but also finding value in them. Contrary to stereotypes, baby boomers and seniors express a strong interest in using unified digital platforms to manage their healthcare experiences. These platforms offer a range of functionalities, including making payments, interacting with providers and insurers, managing prescriptions, and accessing detailed benefit information. The convenience and accessibility of these platforms are particularly appealing to older consumers, who often have greater healthcare needs and expenses.
While younger generations are leading in the adoption of online healthcare trends, with 82% of bridge millennials, 80% of millennials, and 79% of Generation Z consumers engaging in at least one healthcare-related task online in the past year, baby boomers and seniors are actively participating in digital healthcare activities, challenging preconceived notions about their technological preferences.
Amazon's recent announcement to offer Prime members access to virtual healthcare services through One Medical, an Amazon-owned company, aligns with the growing trend of digital healthcare going mainstream. The move positions Amazon to capture a significant share of the projected global telehealth market, which is expected to grow from $84 billion in 2022 to $450 billion by 2032. The convenience and accessibility offered by telehealth services are likely to attract an increasing number of individuals across diverse age groups, further driving adoption.
As the healthcare industry undergoes digital transformation, the study underscores the evolving landscape and the broader acceptance of digital healthcare experiences, debunking stereotypes and emphasizing the widespread appeal of technology-driven healthcare solutions.
