In January and June of this year, the digital association Bitkom asked older people over 65 years of age about the use of digital health applications (DiGA). Over 1000 seniors participated in the representative survey. According to Bitkom, the proportion of users of health apps is therefore rising in the Corona crisis; from 25 percent online active seniors in January (about not quite half of all respondents) to 29 percent in June. The Digital Association also found that apps that record body and fitness data, including heart rate, blood pressure and steps are taken, are the most popular. 20 percent of all Internet users have experience with such applications. In the future, one in two could even imagine using such apps regularly. But apps that provide information on health topics are also popular, with 16 percent, followed by 15 percent of senior citizens who download tips and behavioural advice as an app based on fitness and body data. With all the possible options, older people are considering increased use in everyday life. This includes, for example, the use of apps that remind people to take medication and vaccination appointments. However, only eight out of a hundred senior citizens use apps in this area. Six percent collect research data on the SARS-CoV-2 virus via apps. Although the spread of corona is accelerating the use of innovations in the healthcare system, experts from self-governing bodies such as the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians in Bavaria (KVB) are warning against the digital healthcare applications that have been included by the Federal Office for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) in a provisional list of digital healthcare applications, DiGA for short, and which will be paid for by health insurance companies, available on prescription from the fall. Psychotherapists also warn of risks and urge careless handling with regard to the quality of DiGA and data protection regulations. Especially people with mental illnesses, such as depression, could fail due to too high expectations so that the illness could worsen.
