Older Americans use musculoskeletal telehealth programs more than younger people, though pain outcomes are similar across all generations, according to a study published in Frontiers of Digital Health.
The study, published Aug. 3, included adults with 12 or more weeks of pain who took part in a musculoskeletal telehealth program. The research team categorized participants in six groups: Generation Z, millennials, Generation X, working age baby boomers, retiree age baby boomers and the silent generation (those born between 1928 and 1945).
The study found patients who belong to Generation X and working age baby boomers were significantly more likely to start the program than patients who belong to Generation X or millenials.
Patients who belonged to Generation X, working age baby boomers and retiree age baby boomers were significantly more likely to complete the program than patients who belong to Generation Z and millennials.
Retiree baby boomers on average had 19 more exercise sessions, accessed 11 more articles and sent four more messages to coaches than patients who belonged to Generation Z and millenials.