New study to support older Australians navigate digital healthcare

As healthcare services increasingly move online, new research is exploring how adults aged 45 and over navigate digital healthcare – and what support they need to access it safely and confidently.

The study includes an online Australia-wide survey, inviting adults aged 45 and over to share their experiences.

From booking GP appointments to accessing test results and telehealth, many Australians are using digital systems that can offer greater convenience and flexibility despite having some features that can be unfamiliar or complex.

PhD candidate Rachel Sinanan from Federation University Australia said while digital healthcare provides convenience for some, it’s also creating real barriers for others.

“Healthcare is rapidly going digital,” Ms Sinanan said. “If people can’t confidently use these systems, it doesn’t just cause frustration – it can affect people’s ability to get care, understand health information and make decisions about their wellbeing.”

The research focuses on digital health literacy – the skills needed to find, understand, evaluate and use health information and services online. These skills are increasingly essential for maintaining independence, managing long-term health conditions and staying connected to healthcare providers.

Adults aged 45 and over are a critical group in this space, Ms Sinanan said. They are increasingly required to use online health systems while also being more likely to experience lower confidence with technology and have limited access or uncertainty about where to start.

“There is an overwhelming amount of health information online,” she said. “With so many websites, apps, and sources – some reliable and some not – it’s harder than ever to know what to trust.”

“Without the right support, people risk being left behind, especially those who are already more vulnerable because of location, isolation or health issues.”

Ms Sinanan said the project takes a people-first approach, with a focus on lived experience.

“This research is about everyday realities,” Ms Sinanan said. “The survey gives people the opportunity to tell us what actually gets in the way, what makes things harder and what would genuinely help them feel more confident using digital health services.”

Ms Sinanan said the findings will directly inform the development of a practical, user-friendly digital health literacy training program, designed with – but not just for – adults aged 45-plus.

“The project is about finding out peoples’ needs – whether they’re biological, psychological or social – before designing a digital solution that will actually work for them.”

“At its core, this research is about fairness,” Ms Sinanan said. “As healthcare continues to move online, everyone deserves the skills and confidence to access it.”

People aged 45 and over can participate in the survey by registering here.