Impact of telehealth on health outcomes and quality of life in the older adults population: a systematic review

Fernandes, Gonçalo; Figueiredo, Teodora; Costa, Elísio; Coelho, Luís; Loyens, Dirk

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/31338

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Background: The rapid aging of populations poses major challenges to health and social care systems. Supporting older adults in managing chronic conditions while promoting independence and quality of life requires innovative approaches that extend beyond senior institutional care. Telehealth has emerged as a promising approach to enhance access, continuity, and patient engagement. However, evidence regarding its effectiveness and best practices remains fragmented. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence on telehealth interventions for adults aged 65 years and older, focusing on their effects on health outcomes, quality of life, and well-being. Methods: A search across three databases in the last five years identified 37 eligible studies, and data analysis was guided by a comprehensive taxonomy. Interventions were diverse, spanning disease management, rehabilitation, health promotion, clinical decision support, and psychological support. Results: Reported benefits included improved physical function, better chronic disease control, greater health knowledge, and reductions in avoidable hospitalizations. Video-based programs showed greater effectiveness, while telephone-only interventions were most useful when combined with remote monitoring. Adherence was strengthened by professional guidance, caregiver support, and real-time feedback. Discussion: Despite encouraging findings, evidence remains inconsistent regarding quality-of-life outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and scalability across populations, with many studies limited by small samples, short duration, and methodological heterogeneity. Telehealth holds the potential to complement traditional care for older adults across multiple clinical domains, and future research must adopt consistent and comprehensive reporting practices to strengthen decision-making and ensure that this pathway evolves with patients’ needs.