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Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare

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A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 October 2026 | Viewed by 12467

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Editors

Dr. Yari Longobucco

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Guest Editor

Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
Interests: family and community nursing fragility in elder health literacy; aged care nursing; aging; community health nursing; family nursing; epidemiology; nursing research; public health nursing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Giulia Rivasi

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Guest Editor

Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
Interests: hypertension; blood pressure; cardiovascular medicine; geriatrics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Although aging is receiving increasing attention from the scientific community and stakeholders, this phenomenon remains an area in which research is needed. In fact, by 2050, the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to double, exceeding 1.6 billion individuals. This aspect, if not accompanied by a reshaping of health services and an increase in resources dedicated to proactive healthcare, will lead to the potential collapse of the health system.

In this perspective, we are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, titled “Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare”. This Special Issue invites clinicians and researchers from around the world to disseminate evidence on this topic, in order to gather new valuable insights.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

geriatrics;
nursing;
family and community nursing;
frailty;
blood pressure;
syncope;
chronic care;
prevention;
health education;
health promotion.

The primary studies considered will be both clinical trials and observational studies, including validation studies. Psychometric studies will also be considered, especially if they are on inherent constructs that are very important to older people, such as self-care and health literacy.

Protocols will also be considered, especially if they are innovative.

Regarding reviews, we are happy to accept narrative reviews, scoping reviews, rapid reviews, umbrella reviews, systematic reviews both with and without meta-analysis.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Yari Longobucco
Dr. Giulia Rivasi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

family and community nursing
frailty
blood pressure
chronic care
psychometric studies
prevention
self-care
health promotion
caregiver
health literacy

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 252 KB

Open AccessArticle

Severe Loneliness Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults at Risk of Falls in Andalusia: Epidemiological Determinants and Clinical Correlates of Pain and Sleep Quality

by Gregorio Jesús Alcalá-Albert, María de la Soledad Guerrero-Alonso, Azahara Leonor Miranda-Gálvez, Gloria Marlén Aldana-de Becerra, José Hernández-Ascanio and Eduardo José Sánchez-Uzcategui

Healthcare 2026, 14(12), 1753; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14121753 - 18 Jun 2026

Viewed by 340

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Loneliness is a relevant social determinant of health in older age and has been associated with adverse physical, psychological and social outcomes. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of severe loneliness and to identify its epidemiological and clinical correlates among community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls in Andalusia, Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with 237 adults aged 65 years and older living in private households. Loneliness was assessed using the 10-item version of the UCLA Loneliness Scale, which showed excellent internal consistency in this sample (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.900). After reviewing the scoring direction of the instrument, severe loneliness was operationally defined using the corrected UCLA total score, with higher scores indicating greater loneliness. Sociodemographic and clinical variables included age, sex, living arrangements, economic level, family relationships, pain, sleep quality, depression history, physical exercise, outings from home, polymedication and analgesic use. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare participants with and without severe loneliness, and logistic regression was used to examine independent correlates of severe loneliness. Results: Severe loneliness was identified in 51 participants, corresponding to 21.5% of the analytical sample. The corrected UCLA-10 loneliness burden score ranged from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating greater loneliness. Participants with severe loneliness were more likely to report poorer sleep quality and severe pain. In the adjusted logistic regression model including age, sex, sleep quality and severe pain, better sleep quality was associated with lower odds of severe loneliness (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.30–0.72, p = 0.001), while severe pain was associated with higher odds of severe loneliness (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.56–6.35, p = 0.001). Age (OR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99–1.07, p = 0.184) and female sex (OR = 2.00, 95% CI: 0.83–4.81, p = 0.124) were not statistically significant in the fully adjusted model. Conclusions: Severe loneliness affected a clinically relevant proportion of community-dwelling older adults at risk of falls in Andalusia. The findings should be interpreted as cross-sectional associations and not as evidence of causal pathways. Sleep quality and severe pain emerged as the main independent clinical correlates of severe loneliness in the adjusted model, supporting the relevance of multidimensional assessment in frail older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

13 pages, 497 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Fall Risk, Prevention Knowledge, Behavior and Social Support Among Older Adults: Insights from a Hospital-Based Study in Riyadh

by Anwar Alhashem, Norah Aldarwish, Rahaf Almoqbel, Reem Alsaeed, Sabba Alanazi and Mohammed S. Khusheim

Healthcare 2026, 14(8), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14081109 - 21 Apr 2026

Viewed by 623

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Falls are a significant public health issue and the second most common cause of injury and death worldwide. The risk is exceptionally high for older adults, and fall-related injuries can significantly affect their well-being and lead to pain, disability, and loss of independence, necessitating urgent redressal of this issue. This study assesses the fall risk among older patients at a referral hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 246 older adults aged 65 years and older from the Internal Medicine Department. Data were gathered through a survey addressing sociodemographic characteristics, fall risk assessment, prevention knowledge, behaviors, and social support. Results: A high fall risk and good knowledge of fall prevention were observed in older adults. A weak-to-moderate positive correlation was found between behavior and fall risk. Correlations were observed among age, fall prevention behavior, educational level, and fall prevention knowledge. Conclusions: While a weak-to-moderate positive association was found between fall risk and positive behaviors, no statistically significant association was observed between fall risk and fall prevention knowledge or social support. This indicates that factors other than knowledge and social support may play a critical role in influencing fall risk. Behavioral interventions alone may not reduce fall incidence sufficiently unless other underlying factors are addressed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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11 pages, 245 KB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Frailty and Autonomy Levels in Older Adults According to Place of Residence

by Andrea Machado, Pedro Forte and Filipe Rodrigues

Healthcare 2026, 14(6), 721; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14060721 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 462

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The present study aimed to compare levels of frailty and functional independence in older adults according to their place of residence and to analyze the associations between age, frailty, and autonomy, considering sex. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted with a sample of 77 older adults (80.16 ± 8.68 years), divided into community-dwelling (n = 38) and institutionalized (n = 39) participants. Data collection included sociodemographic characterization and the assessment of frailty and autonomy. Results: Older adults in the community showed significantly higher levels of autonomy (94.21 ± 10.81) compared to those who were institutionalized (75.53 ± 23.21; p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in frailty levels between the groups (p = 0.674). Correlation analysis revealed a strong negative association between frailty and autonomy, which was more pronounced in institutionalized older adults (r = −0.64) and in males (r = −0.72). Age was only correlated with the loss of autonomy in men (r = −0.43). Conclusions: Place of residence is a critical determinant of functional autonomy but not of perceived frailty. The results highlight a health-survival paradox, where men exhibit a more abrupt functional decline associated with frailty. The implementation of gerontomotricity programs in residential care facilities is suggested to mitigate learned dependency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

19 pages, 618 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Quality of Life as a Predictor of Successful Aging in Urban and Rural Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern Croatia–Slavonia

by Marija Barišić, Ivana Barać, Jasenka Vujanić, Nikolina Farčić, Štefica Mikšić, Maja Čebohin, Robert Lovrić, Dunja Degmečić, Marko Krnjajić, Željka Dujmić and Željko Mudri

Healthcare 2026, 14(3), 296; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14030296 - 24 Jan 2026

Viewed by 909

Abstract

Background: Population aging has increased attention on the quality of life and successful aging of older adults. Objective: To examine urban–rural differences in subjective quality of life and self-rated successful aging, explore associations with psychosocial factors, and identify predictors of successful aging, including potential moderating effects of place of residence and chronic illness. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 adults aged ≥ 60 years in Eastern Croatia. Measures included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Self-assessment of Successful Aging Scale (SSAS), and the Personal Wellbeing Index (PWI). Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests (Mann–Whitney U, Spearman’s correlation), linear regression, and moderation analyses. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Ethical approval was obtained (Class: 602-01/24-12/02; IRB: 2158/97-97-10-24-36). Results: Rural participants reported lower PWI scores (p = 0.005) and self-rated successful aging (p < 0.001) than urban participants. Active community involvement was positively associated with quality of life (Rho = 0.46; p < 0.001), whereas regret about missed opportunities and past actions was negatively associated (Rho = −0.20; p < 0.01). Regression analyses explained 48.3% of the variance in SSAS, with higher PWI scores being strongly associated with higher SSAS scores, and rural residence and chronic illness being associated with lower SSAS scores. Moderation analyses indicated that the association between PWI and SSAS was consistent across different environmental contexts and in the presence of illness. Conclusions: Older adults living in rural areas reported lower quality of life and self-rated successful aging compared with those in urban and suburban areas, with subjective wellbeing emerging as a key predictor. Promoting social engagement and addressing psychosocial barriers may enhance successful aging, particularly in rural populations. Findings suggest that social engagement and psychosocial support are associated with higher level of perceived successful aging, indicating potential areas for future community-based or healthcare interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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20 pages, 594 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cognitive Functioning in Rural Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support

by Marko Krnjajić, Željko Mudri, Marija Barišić, Ivana Barać, Jasenka Vujanić, Maja Čebohin, Robert Lovrić, Katarina Major Poljak and Nikolina Farčić

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020152 - 7 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1167

Abstract

Background: Aging is a multidimensional process influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Social support contributes to cognitive reserve by reducing stress, promoting mental engagement, and reinforcing a sense of belonging. Objective: To examine the association between perceived social support and cognitive functioning among older adults, and to investigate whether social support mediates the relationship between living arrangements and cognitive performance. Methods: The sample included 265 older adults aged 65 years and above, recruited using snowball sampling between March and July 2025 in rural communities. Instruments included the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for cognitive function and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support for social support. Results: In this study, higher perceived social support from family, friends, and significant others was associated with better cognitive performance. Multiple regression showed that all three dimensions of social support significantly predicted MoCA scores, with the strongest effect from friends’ support. Mediation analysis revealed that perceived social support mediated the relationship between living arrangements and cognitive functioning, while the direct effect of cohabitation alone was not significant. Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of perceived social support in preserving cognitive health in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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24 pages, 458 KB

Open AccessArticle

Screening and Caring for Older Adults Affected by Sexual or Other Types of Violence: A Pilot Study at Three Belgian Geriatric Departments

by Charlotte Boven, Anne Nobels, Nicolas Berg, Nele Van Den Noortgate, Nathalie Courtens and Ines Keygnaert

Healthcare 2026, 14(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14010016 - 20 Dec 2025

Viewed by 825

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Violence against older adults is a rising public health issue. Though older adults may not openly disclose such experiences, they are often willing to discuss them when given the opportunity. Healthcare providers in hospital settings can play a crucial role in the early identification and care. However, effective screening and response require comprehensive guidance. Methods: A pilot, multicentric feasibility study with a single-group intervention was implemented at three Belgian geriatric departments. The aim was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a new guide for identifying older adults (≥75 years), without major cognitive deficits, who have experienced violence, in order to subsequently provide them with adequate care. Admitted older adults were screened using the guidance, and healthcare providers who conducted the screenings completed questionnaires to evaluate their feasibility and acceptability. The Trial is registered in Clinicaltrials.gov [NCT06780540]. Results: A total of 104 admitted older adults (mean age: 83 years) were recruited across two Dutch-speaking and one French-speaking hospital in Belgium. One in five participants (20.2%) disclosed experiences of violence, either recent or throughout their lives. Healthcare providers (n = 12) positively evaluated the guidance, suggesting improvements in question formulation, protocol adaptability, and the need for further training. Conclusions: This guidance is feasible, acceptable, and holds potential for improving disclosure rates. To ensure the provision of appropriate and equitable care, it is essential to first equip healthcare providers with education and training on this topic. Future interventional research is required to implement the guide on a larger scale and to measure health-related outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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13 pages, 519 KB

Open AccessArticle

Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Health Literacy and Stress Among Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia

by Chiara Lorini, Rita Manuela Bruno, Enrico Mossello, Yari Longobucco, Primo Buscemi, Annamaria Schirripa, Barbara Giammarco, Giuseppe Albora, Duccio Giorgetti, Massimiliano Alberto Biamonte, Letizia Fattorini, Gemma Giusti, Lisa Rigon, Giulia Rivasi, Andrea Ungar and Guglielmo Bonaccorsi

Healthcare 2025, 13(23), 3064; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13233064 - 26 Nov 2025

Viewed by 892

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the association between health literacy (HL) and stress among family caregivers of older adults with dementia. Methods: Older adults and their caregivers were recruited from the geriatric outpatient memory clinic of an Italian hospital. Caregiver stress was assessed using the General Health Questionnaire-12 items (GHQ-12). HL was measured using the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) and the Short Form of the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA). Results: A total of 170 (71% females) caregivers, including spouses and offspring, were included in the analysis. According to the NVS, 53% demonstrated adequate HL, while 83% achieved adequate scores on the S-TOFHLA. The median GHQ-12 score was 15, with 48% presenting a score above 14, indicating higher stress levels; women reported significantly higher GHQ-12 scores than men. In a multivariate linear regression analysis adjusted for sex, education, and number of care tasks provided, the S-TOFHLA score showed a borderline association with the GHQ-12 score (B = −1.45; p = 0.064). When characteristics of the care-recipient were added to the model, the S-TOFHLA score emerged as an independent predictor of the GHQ-12 score (B = −1.41; p = 0.048), along with female caregiver sex and behavioral and psychological symptoms in the care-recipients. Exploratory analysis suggested that the association between HL and stress was present among male but not female caregivers. Conclusions: HL was associated with psychological stress in caregivers of older adults with dementia, with the relationship appearing more pronounced among male caregivers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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15 pages, 911 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association Between Swallowing Dysfunction and Multidimensional Quality of Life Among Community-Dwelling Healthy Korean Older Adults: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

by Hyun-Ah Jang and Jun-Seon Choi

Healthcare 2025, 13(22), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222964 - 19 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 934

Abstract

Background: As life expectancy is increasing, the quality of life of older adults has become critical. Health status of older adults is a significant predictor of quality of life, making it essential to consider the diseases and conditions prevalent among this population. Although swallowing dysfunction is an emerging health problem, even in healthy older adults, few studies have examined the impact of these disorders on the quality of life. Therefore, in this pilot cross-sectional study, we aimed to examine the association between swallowing dysfunction and quality of life among 105 community-dwelling healthy older adults with no history of diseases that may cause swallowing dysfunction and who were screened normal on a dementia test. Methods: Quality of life was assessed using the CASP-19 scale. The risk of swallowing dysfunction was assessed using two screening tools, namely the Dysphagia Risk Assessment Scale and the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test. The strength of the association between swallowing dysfunction and quality of life was analyzed using independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple linear regression. Results: At least one in three participants had a high risk of swallowing dysfunction. The multiple linear regression model adjusted for several factors associated with the quality of life of older adults revealed that the high-risk group for swallowing dysfunction had a lower quality of life than the control group (β = −0.179 for Model 1; β = −0.201 for Model 2, p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study identified a potential association between swallowing dysfunction and lower quality of life. The findings suggest that maintaining or improving swallowing function may be a valuable component of strategies aimed at enhancing overall quality of life in healthy older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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16 pages, 1409 KB

Open AccessArticle

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation of the Turkish Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ-TR)

by Mert Doğan and Özge Erol Doğan

Healthcare 2025, 13(22), 2844; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222844 - 9 Nov 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 990

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Perceived ageism has been increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of the health and well-being of older adults. However, the cross-cultural validation of instruments measuring ageism remains limited. This study aimed to translate, culturally adapt, and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Perceived Ageism Questionnaire (PAQ-TR). Methods: Content validity was assessed by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Construct validity was examined using exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Convergent validity was tested through correlations with the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ). Reliability was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s omega, and test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics v27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and AMOS v22 (IBM Corp., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: A total of 307 older adults (137 men and 170 women) participated in the study. The mean age was 71.19 (6.96) years, and 55.7% of the participants were female. An EFA confirmed the original two-factor structure, explaining 61.2% of the total variance, which was subsequently verified by a CFA, showing a good model fit. EFA confirmed the original two-factor structure, explaining 61.2% of the total variance (Kaiser-Meyer–Olkin = 0.82; Bartlett’s χ²(28) = 412.5, p < 0.001). The structure was subsequently verified by CFA, which demonstrated an excellent model fit (Comparative Fit Index = 0.97; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.96; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.052; Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.041). The Negative subscale showed high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha (α) = 0.84; McDonald’s Omega (ω) = 0.85), whereas the Positive subscale indicated moderate reliability (α = 0.58; ω = 0.60). The test–retest reliability was excellent, reflecting strong temporal stability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient = 0.91). Convergent validity showed that the positive subscale was related to positive aging perceptions and less to negative ones, while the negative subscale showed the opposite pattern. Conclusions: The PAQ-TR demonstrated adequate psychometric properties for assessing perceived ageism among older adults in Türkiye. While the Negative subscale showed robust reliability, the positive subscale required refinement. These findings highlight both the cross-cultural validity of the PAQ and the influence of cultural norms on positive aging perception. The PAQ-TR is a valuable tool for research and clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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Review

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17 pages, 1300 KB

Open AccessReview

Ageing and Quality of Life in Older Adults: Updates and Perspectives of Psychosocial and Advanced Technological Interventions

by Dinara Sukenova, Dejan Nikolic, Aigulsum Izekenova, Ardak Nurbakyt, Assel Izekenova and Jurate Macijauskiene

Healthcare 2026, 14(2), 217; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14020217 - 15 Jan 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1843

Abstract

Expanding longevity, together with a decrease in mortality, leads to an increase in the older population worldwide. In this review, ageing and older adults, as well as psychosocial and advanced technological interventions, will be discussed. Older adults are associated with an increased incidence of multimorbidity and disability; thus, they have a higher demand for health services than younger individuals. Challenges in welfare services and inadequate family and community-based care support negatively impact the psychosocial and economic wellbeing of older people. Active ageing and successful ageing are crucial aspects for a better quality of life in this age group, as there is a complex interplay of different domains and disease types that influence quality of life in older adults. Additionally, promoting the social participation of older adults is vital for improving their quality of life. Furthermore, the use of technology in older adults has a positive impact on their quality of life; however, aside from the promotion and implementation of technological interventions, challenges persist at all levels of acceptance and use. A better understanding of these challenges and implementing measures to overcome them will have a significant impact on the technological acceptance of older adults and their use in daily life activities, resulting in more favourable quality of life outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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Other

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18 pages, 822 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Virtual Care Perceptions and Experiences of Older Adults During COVID-19 in Canada: A Systematic Review

by Donna Gao, Angela Xu and Lixia Yang

Healthcare 2025, 13(15), 1937; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13151937 - 7 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2006

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Older adults (65+) are the fastest growing age group in Canada, comprising 18.8% of the country’s population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, use of virtual care, including telehealth and tele-medicine, increased dramatically among older adults in Canada who often face higher health risks, mobility limitations, and many barriers to accessing healthcare. Despite the rapid expansion in virtual care, no systematic review has focused specifically on virtual care among older adults in Canada. This review aims to explore the factors influencing virtual care adoption and the experiences of older Canadians during the pandemic through a systematic review. Methods: Conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, the review involved a comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, ESCBOHost, and Web of Science on 2 May 2025, yielding 281 unique citations. After screening and applying eligibility criteria, 15 studies employing quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods designs, with sample sizes ranging from 15 to 2,282,798, were included and appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Results: The review identified three domains of factors and the ways in which each factor shapes older adults’ virtual care experiences: (1) personal factors influencing virtual care use and demand (e.g., age, education, language, income, immigration status, community sizes), (2) resource factors impacting virtual care adoption (e.g., technology access, support), and (3) varying virtual care experiences among older adults (e.g., in assessment and communication efficacy, privacy, care quality, convenience, safety, and costs). Conclusions: This review highlights the complexities of virtual care engagement among older adults and underscores the need for inclusive, tailored strategies to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of virtual care delivery in both pandemic and post-pandemic contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aging and Older Adults’ Healthcare)

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