Technology-related COVID-19 Experiences of Older Veterans
2024

Technology Use Among Older Veterans During COVID-19

Sample size: 1992 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Saanvi Lamba, Pranjal Tyagi, Diana Ruiz, Stuti Dang

Hypothesis

How did older veterans experience technology during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Conclusion

Older veterans faced challenges with technology access and usability but found it helpful for staying connected during isolation.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older veterans reported trouble with technology access and usability.
  • Technology helped older veterans stay connected during isolation.
  • Some veterans preferred in-person visits over technology.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated technology adoption among older veterans.

Takeaway

Older veterans used technology to stay in touch with family and friends during COVID-19, even though they sometimes had trouble using it.

Methodology

The HERO CARE survey was conducted with 20,000 community-dwelling veterans, and responses were analyzed through inductive coding.

Limitations

The study may not fully represent the experiences of all older veterans due to the sample size and response rate.

Participant Demographics

The sample included 1,992 males (95.8%) and 88 females (4.2%), with an average age of 79.2 years for males and 75.8 years for females.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2907

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