Digital Literacy Gaps and Telehealth Equity: A Bibliometric Analysis of Elderly Engagementin Digital Chronic Disease Management
By: Martina Jaramillo, Daniel Zhang, Elizabeth Sajan, Lakshmi Trivedi, Vaahini Vaijaeepay, Tanvi Kasiviswanathan, Nhi Nguyen, Esha Chowdhury, Shreya Parajuli, Om Patil — Westwood High School
After COVID-19, disparities in telehealth access across demographics, such as language, race, age, and immigration status, became increasingly evident. A bibliometric analysis of existing studies revealed that digital literacy is the primary factor influencing equitable telehealth use. The research question explored how digital literacy gaps among elderly populations affect engagement with telehealth and chronic disease management tools. Findings consistently showed that older adults have lower digital health literacy, correlating with poorer health outcomes. Studies like Nelson et al. (2022) and Mueller et al. (2022) demonstrated that low literacy and age-related barriers hinder equitable healthcare. Some groups face compounded challenges due to overlapping socioeconomic factors. Other research, such as Miranda et al. (2023), highlighted systemic issues—like insufficient funding, training, and policy support—that worsen digital literacy gaps. These barriers can be mitigated through targeted policy frameworks, education programs, and inclusive system design. In conclusion, elderly populations face significant digital literacy barriers due to systemic and design-related shortcomings. Addressing these through improved policy, funding, and training is essential for achieving equitable telehealth and healthcare outcomes.
