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Symposium

Interdisciplinary

Improving Health Equity by Enhancing Access to Technology for Older Adults in Rural Areas

Thursday, November 14, 2024
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST
Location: Room 606
CE: 1.5

The COVID-19 pandemic generated unprecedented acceleration in the adoption of technology (from digital apps and wearable sensors to robotics and artificial intelligence) in rural areas. However, this rapid digitalization across the care continuum was characterized by inequitable distribution, implementation, and unsustainability in rural healthcare settings. Although health is a fundamental human right, there are many dimensions of inequality, including sex, gender, ethnicity, and disability, that are amplified in rural healthcare settings. This symposium will showcase how research has supported the identification, implementation, and sustainment of innovative technology solutions to enhance health equity in rural settings (Freeman). With the cumulative shift to virtual delivery of health care services, there is need to ensure equitable access to infrastructure and resources to address existing technology gaps which disproportionally affect older adults living in rural communities (Clayton-Jones). Additionally, with the expanding breadth of technology applications being used by older adults, this symposium will showcase the positive technological impacts such as autonomous vehicles (Yoon), smartwatches (Wiese), and eReaders (Agboji) to enhance health equity for older adults.

Rural Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium

Learning Objectives:

  • After attending this session, participants will be able to describe intersectional approaches and applications of technologies that enhance digital equity and reduce health disparities among rural dwelling older adults.
  • After attending this session, participants will be able to define and apply innovative technology focused solutions, services, and strategies which can enhance equitable access to health and care for older adults living in rural areas.
  • After attending this session, participants will be able to identify and counter misinformation associated with the negative effects of technology-while recognizing the benefits of harnessing technologies to improve rural health of older adults.

Presentations:

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST
    Engaging High School Students to Increase Research-Focused Smartwatch Use by Multicultural, Rural Older Residents

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Catherine Luna, M.S. (she/her/hers) – Washington State University

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST
    Enhancing Equity to Quality Care for Persons With Dementia in Rural Communities Through Implementation of AgeTech

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Shannon Freeman, PhD (she/her/hers) – University of Northern British Columbia

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST
    Meeting In-Person Needs of Elders Living in Rural Communities by Utilizing Apps and Internet Access

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Kate Clayton-Jones, PhD (she/her/hers) – FootCare by Nurses

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST
    Attitudes Toward Autonomous Vehicles in Rural Older Adults: Implications for Enhancing Access to Health Care

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Jong Sung Yoon, PhD – University of South Dakota

  • 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST
    Overcoming Apathy Among Older Community Dwellers in Rural Northern BC: The Benefits of Engaging in an eBook Club