Digital Literacy and the Aging Cancer Patient: Bridging the Skills Gap
By Keri Campbell Seay, Founder & CEO, Islands Against Cancer, Inc.
For many older adults facing cancer, navigating the digital side of healthcare can feel like learning a foreign language. Appointment reminders arrive by email, lab results are posted in patient portals, and doctors encourage downloading apps to track medications or symptoms. These tools can be empowering — but only when patients have the confidence and knowledge to use them.
Understanding the gap
Digital literacy means more than just owning a smartphone. It’s the ability to find, understand, and use information from technology — whether that’s logging into a telehealth visit or checking test results in MyChart.
According to a 2023 study, Internet use among adults aged 65 and older with cancer increased from 59% in 2015 to 69% in 2021. That still leaves nearly one in three without regular digital access (National Library of Medicine). And for those who are online, many struggle with confidence and privacy concerns. In another survey, older survivors described digital health tools as “extra homework” and said they often felt unsure whether they were using them correctly (ScienceDirect).
What this means for aging cancer patients
For many seniors, learning new technology comes on top of managing medications, appointments, and side effects. It’s easy to understand why a patient might feel overwhelmed when told to “check the portal” for updates.
Common barriers include:
- Limited experience with computers or smartphones
- Fear of making mistakes or losing information
- Difficulty understanding medical or technical terms
- Physical challenges such as poor eyesight or neuropathy
These issues can make patients feel left behind — especially when their care depends on digital tools.
Practical ways to bridge the divide
Empowering older cancer patients with digital skills doesn’t require advanced training. Small, thoughtful steps can make a big difference:
- One-on-one tech help: Encourage family members, volunteers, or advocates to walk through portals and apps slowly and repeatedly.
- Printed guides: Step-by-step instructions with screenshots and large print reduce anxiety and reinforce learning.
- Hybrid communication: Pair digital tools with old-fashioned phone calls or mailed updates to keep everyone included.
- Accessible design: Apps with big buttons, clear fonts, and voice command options are far more effective for aging users.
- Ongoing check-ins: Confidence fades quickly if a patient doesn’t practice regularly. A quick follow-up call can help retain progress.
At Islands Against Cancer, we’ve seen firsthand how much confidence grows when older patients have a supportive person guiding them through their first login or video visit. With time and patience, technology can become less of an obstacle and more of a lifeline.
The human side of technology
Digital literacy isn’t just about screens — it’s about connection. When patients understand how to use these tools, they’re better able to communicate with their doctors, stay on top of treatment plans, and feel in control of their care journey.
Learn more in our Now What Series on Amazon — created to guide and support cancer warriors and their caregivers. Books that Heal
