As the Digital Age persists, people are using technology to their advantage to live their everyday lives; this is especially true during the COVID-19 pandemic. Technology has allowed people all over the world, and of all ages, stay connected to friends and family, and has even allowed people to continue working from home during the global pandemic. Technology has helped keep life as normal as possible during these uncertain times, and for many, has even improved their overall quality of life.
A particularly interesting area that has been positively impacted by technology during the pandemic is the medical field with the innovation of telemedicine. Telemedicine allows people to video chat with their doctors so that they don’t have to go into the office to get medical assistance. Telemedicine has helped the lives of millions of people, but especially the lives of seniors.
Why Telemedicine Has Increased in Popularity During the Pandemic
Telemedicine is an important technological innovation that is likely here to last as it has already increased in popularity in recent months due to the pandemic. An expert from an in-home senior care company commented that telemedicine has allowed seniors to talk to the doctors regularly despite the trying times. She added that telemedicine likely has increased in popularity because it helps seniors preserve their health. With that being said, here are 3 more reasons why telemedicine has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Patients Who Have Symptoms of COVID-19 Can Be Treated
In addition to people, especially seniors, being able to prevent contracting COVID-19 by not going into the office, patients who do in fact have the COVID-19 virus can prevent the spread. Patients with the COVID-19 virus that need medical treatment can get the medical assistance they need while staying at home and quarantining. Prior to telemedicine, patients with an infectious virus would have to go into a doctor’s office, thus putting other patients and anyone who worked in the office at risk.
This is also true for patients who may not know that they are carrying the COVID-19 virus. Patients that are unaware that they are carrying COVID-19 will not have to come into the office, and will not give the virus to anyone else, especially the older population.
2. Ability to Participate in Physical and Occupational Therapy
Physical and occupational therapy is popular amongst the older generation as many seniors need it after surgery or because of age. However, many seniors couldn’t get to/didn’t want to go to their therapies because of the risk of contracting COVID-19; telemedicine is a solution.
Telemedicine allows seniors to talk with their therapists and practice the movements that they need in order to recover and/or feel better. If seniors stopped their therapy too early, they are at risk of not healing correctly or getting injured further; telemedicine makes sure that this doesn’t happen and is one of the reasons that telemedicine is important for aging adults.
3. Patients That Have a Hard Time Getting Around Can Access Doctors
Telemedicine has made it easier for elderly patients that struggle to get around to get access to healthcare. Patients that have a hard time getting to their doctors because of a physical ailment can now talk to healthcare providers in the comfort of their homes, making their lives more comfortable and preventing the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
This benefit will continue to be important even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided.
The Future of Medicine
Telemedicine is likely the future of medicine as it has almost all benefits and no downsides. Telemedicine is changing the way people all over the world are getting treatment, as well as people of all ages, especially seniors.
About the Author
Jennifer Bell is a freelance writer, blogger, dog-enthusiast, and avid beachgoer operating out of Southern New Jersey.
