Defying Stereotypes: Older Adults as High Engagers in App-Based Telehealth Physical Therapy

Abstract

Poor technological proficiency is a barrier to engaging with digital health for older adults, preventing providers from recommending digital health tools to patients aged 60+years. Effect of age and gender on engagement with a digital physical therapy application was assessed over 5883 episodes. The 60+ age group had 78% increased odds of engagement compared with the 20-29 years age group. The 60+ age group performed 64% to 101% more workouts per week. Women aged 60+ years were significantly more engaged than other demographics. Patients using app-based physical therapy are highly engaged. Age and gender do not appear to preclude engagement with digital physical therapy.