[Implementation of a virtual telehealth course for Chilean older adults and health students]

Aging increases the vulnerability to diseases and environmental changes such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Telehealth and tele-education are vital to prevent the deleterious effects of prolonged confinement, and to train the community, and constantly rotating medical students and health professionals.

To assess the perception and impact of an online course about healthy aging aimed at the community and health care professionals.

An open online one-day course to promote healthy aging was carried out. A cross-sectional online survey about the course was answered by 386 attendants and a knowledge test was applied to 114 people.

Seventy-five percent of respondents attended the course synchronously. Of these, 79% were women, 20% were older people and 53% were caregivers of an older person. All respondents acquired new knowledge and were willing to participate again. The frequency of interest about self-care is three times greater than about caring for another person, In an older person, the interest is 101 more times about self-care than caring for another person. Ninety five percent of respondents felt more active and 84% felt more accompanied.

The course facilitated access to information on the promotion of active and healthy aging in the community with a favorable perception and a positive impact. The coverage for older people with a digital gap should be improved.