Artificial intelligence and telemedicine in elderly healthcare: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Healthcare Technology
• Digital Health Equity
• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

Background:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telemedicine are increasingly used in geriatric care for early detection and monitoring.
• Adoption by older adults in India is limited due to accessibility, digital literacy, cost, and ethical concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adoption, benefits, and barriers of AI-enabled telemedicine among older adults in India.
• To identify predictors of perceived empowerment and explore healthcare professionals' perspectives.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional mixed-methods study in Aligarh, India (Jan-Jun 2025).
• Quantitative surveys with 200 older adults (≥60 years) and qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 elderly participants and 10 healthcare professionals.
• Data analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, multiple regression, and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• 52% of older adults used AI-enabled healthcare tools (wearables 32%, teleconsultations 28%); urban adoption was higher.
• Digital literacy and family support significantly predicted perceived empowerment.
• Key benefits: convenient access (61%), chronic disease monitoring (54%). Primary barriers: low digital literacy (49%), cost (45%), lack of trust (37%).

Conclusions:

• AI-enabled telemedicine offers potential for Indian geriatric care but faces significant challenges like inequity, literacy gaps, cost, and ethics.
• Policy interventions focusing on elder-centered digital literacy, subsidized access, and regulatory safeguards are essential.
• Findings can guide national digital inclusion and elder-care initiatives to ensure technology complements human care.