Digital behavioral health improves social connectivity, well-being, and loneliness for older adults: Data-driven insights

Myth: Older adults don't use technology to access care and health information. The significant group, which makes up 17% of the population¹ and drives more than half the US healthcare spend,² is taking full advantage of the digital options available to healthcare consumers. Rock Health's 2023 Consumer Adoption Survey found that for respondents aged 65+:³

• 67% have searched for healthcare information online
• 70% have received virtual care at some point
• 39% have searched for a care provider online
• 27% own or have owned a wearable device

The numbers show that the increase in digital adoption for older adults that began during the COVID-19 pandemic is here to stay.

Recent Research

Twill by Dario provides accelerated access to mental health and well-being care that focuses on whole person support and delivers lasting behavior change. The solution helps older adults navigate healthy aging, with tailored editorial content, programs, and topics including:

• Staying active
• Relishing retirement
• Caregiving
• Mental health as you age
• Health & longevity

A study published in JMIR4 demonstrated that older adults will engage with a digital solution and benefit from doing so. Significant improvements were made across all dimensions of mental health and well-being.

Successful activation of Medicare members

A national health plan sought a digital solution to help Medicare members manage stress, anxiety, and loneliness. Targeted communications drove significant activation and high engagement for Medicare members.

Within the first 8 months, the client experienced:

• 183% of sign-up goal achieved due to activation
• +1000 sign ups in one 7-day period due to timely, relevant communications
• 66% email open rate for post sign-up engagement messages
• 25% decrease in the prevalence of anxiety

Successful behavior change at any age

Dario believes in helping all our members live their best life. Our team is trained to help older adults overcome common barriers to engagement and technology and to simplify the process of behavior change. As always, we'll continue looking at the data to see what works and responding accordingly.

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1. 2020 Consensus: 1 in 6 People in the United States were 65 and Over
2. How do health expenditures vary across the population? | Peterson KFF
3. Building for impact: Innovation opportunities for older adults | Rock Health