The document summarizes an AARP survey on mobile health technology use among those over 50. It finds that while chronic illness is highly prevalent in this group, few use mobile devices to track or share health information, citing barriers like cost, usefulness and complexity. However, interest is substantial, particularly among women, minorities, higher income groups and caregivers. The document concludes that overcoming barriers to mobile health presents a challenge.

1. Living in Digital Times Focuses on Technology for Life’s Transitions Mobile Health and the 50+ An AARP Survey of Use and Interest January 7, 2011

3. Four out of five Americans over 50 years oldsuffer from at least one chronic condition

4. Half of those 65-74 years old have two to four chronic conditions

5. Fewer older Americans own mobile-enabled healthcare devices**

6. 7% of the 50+ own a smart phone

7. 4% have used a mobile device to share info with docs

8. 11% have used a mobile device to track their healthThose who need it most use it least High Incidence of Chronic Illness mHealth Gap Use of Mobile Devices Low Age * “Chronic Care: A Call to Action,” AARP Public Policy Institute, 2009 ** “Mobile Technology, Health and Caregiving Among People 50 and Older,” AARP, Jan.7, 2011

9. All they see are barriers “Too expensive… Don’t need it… Hard to figure out…What’s the point?” Just 41% of the 50+ surveyed believed mobile health technologies would improve their health Barriers Benefits “Mobile Technology, Health and Caregiving Among People 50 and Older,” AARP, Jan. 7, 2011. Shows top 10 of 17 items.

11. Four in ten are somewhat/very interested in using a mobile device to share health status with their healthcare provider “Mobile Technology, Health and Caregiving Among People 50 and Older,” AARP, Jan.7, 2011

13. African-Americans age 50+(61%) and Hispanic Americans 50+ (59%) are more likely to be interested in using mobile technology to send health information to a health professional than white, non-Hispanic 50+ (34%)

14. People age 50 and older making more than $75,000 are more interested than those of lower incomes to track health with mobile device (51% v. 41% or less)

15. While only 7% of Caregivers use mobile devices to monitor the health of someone, 51% said they would be interested in it “Mobile Technology, Health and Caregiving Among People 50 and Older,” AARP, Jan.7, 2011