AUTHOR=Kim BoRin , Jeong Chung Hyeon , Blood Emily , Arthanat Sajay , Corvini Marguerite , Golomski Casey , Wilcox John 

TITLE=Multilevel factors influencing eHealth adoption among older adults during the pandemic

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1531173

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2025.1531173

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=IntroductionWhile eHealth became prevalent in healthcare during the pandemic, eHealth adoption by older adults has been slow. This digital divide could lead to worsening health and healthcare disparities. Guided by the push-pull-mooring perspective, this study explored factors influencing eHealth adoption among older adults.MethodsSemi-structured virtual interviews were conducted in 2021 with 31 older adults with healthcare needs. Interviews were thematically coded and analyzed using constant comparative methods.ResultsWe found the pandemic to be a powerful push factor that forced older adults to adopt eHealth along with several pull factors that attracted older adults to use eHealth. A number of mooring factors that made older adults hesitant to adopt eHealth were identified: limited knowledge or skills on eHealth, security concerns, limited technology access, and peer influence.DiscussionsOur findings indicate areas to increase productive use of eHealth within older populations, such as education or support within social networks.