Willingness to Pay for Elderly Tele-Care System Using Digital Terrestrial Broadcasting

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Economics
• Digital Health

Background:

• The increasing elderly population necessitates innovative healthcare solutions.
• Digital terrestrial broadcasting offers a platform for accessible tele-care services.
• Understanding user willingness-to-pay is crucial for service viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify individual willingness-to-pay (WTP) for a digital terrestrial broadcasting elderly tele-care system.
• To assess the effectiveness and economic feasibility of implementing such a system.

Main Methods:

• Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was employed to estimate WTP.
• A survey was conducted among 400 citizens in Japan.
• Statistical analysis was used to determine median WTP and influencing factors.

Main Results:

• The median WTP for the monthly fee of the tele-care service was estimated at 431 JPY.
• Individuals who prioritize their health indicated a higher willingness to pay for the service.
• The findings provide insights into the economic value placed on digital health solutions for the elderly.

Conclusions:

• The digital terrestrial broadcasting elderly tele-care system shows potential economic viability.
• Targeting health-conscious elderly populations may enhance service adoption.
• Further research can explore service design and pricing strategies to maximize accessibility and uptake.