Limited Technology Access Among Residents of Affordable Senior Housing During the COVID-19 Pandemic. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellison-Barnes, Alejandra; Moran, Alyssa; Linton, Sabriya; Chaubal, Manotri; Missler, Michelle; Evan Pollack, Craig
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 40:Number 9(2021)
• Page Start: 958
• Page End: 962
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: housing -- nutrition -- technology; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/07334648211013634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

While U.S. adults living in affordable senior housing represent a vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic, affordable housing may provide a foundation for interventions designed to improve technology access to support health. To better understand technology access among residents of affordable senior housing, we surveyed members of a national association of resident service coordinators to assess their experiences working with residents during the pandemic ( n = 1, 440). While nearly all service coordinators report that most or all residents have reliable phone access, under a quarter report that most or all have reliable internet access; they also report limited access to technology for video calls. Lack of internet access and technology literacy are perceived as barriers to medical visits and food procurement for low-income older adult residents of affordable housing. Policies to expand internet access as well as training and support to enable use of online services are required to overcome these barriers.