Healthcare has moved onto your phone. That sounds convenient-until you're stuck on a login screen, trying to refill a prescription or book a telehealth visit.

For millions of older adults, this shift creates a new kind of health problem: low digital health literacy. According to new CVS Health research targeting Medicare-age adults, many seniors want to use digital tools but face roadblocks like confusing portals, privacy concerns, outdated devices, and spotty internet.

The consequences: missed appointments, delayed care, and increased stress for those managing chronic conditions.

Why Digital Health Literacy Matters

Hospitals, insurers, and pharmacies now depend on apps and portals. You may need an app for test results, a portal to message your doctor, and a website for benefits. The CVS study found that 86% of respondents are open to digital health engagement-but the tools often fail them at the design level. Security fears, login fatigue, and lack of human backup compound the issue.

AI’s Potential and Pitfall

Artificial intelligence could help simplify health tools-translating jargon, guiding users step-by-step. Yet experts warn it must be paired with easy access to human help when trust or complexity demands it.

Staying Safe: Practical Steps

• Keep a secure list of health logins; use a password manager.
• Avoid clicking links in texts or emails; go directly to the official app or site.
• Enable two-factor authentication where available.
• Ask for human help when stuck; call the number on your insurance card.
• Update devices and apps regularly to close security holes.

Kurt’s Key Takeaway

Digital health tools should make you feel more in control, not less. For older adults and their families, digital health literacy is now a safety skill. The question is: who is responsible for making sure the tools work for you?