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United States Value:
Percentage of households with adults ages 65 and older that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Additional Measures:
Appears In:
Percentage of households with adults ages 65 and older that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Percentage of households with adults ages 65 and older that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Percentage of households with adults ages 65 and older that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
Percentage of households with adults ages 65 and older that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey
US Value: 83.1%
Top State(s): Utah: 88.6%
Bottom State(s): Mississippi: 72.5%
Definition: Percentage of households with adults ages 65 and older that have a broadband internet subscription and a computer, smartphone or tablet
Data Source and Years: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, 2021
Suggested Citation: America's Health Rankings analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, United Health Foundation, AmericasHealthRankings.org, accessed 2023.
High-speed internet is an important resource for work, education and effective communication. Researchers have identified access to high-speed internet (also known as broadband internet) as a social determinant of health. Many essential activities and services require an internet connection, including telemedicine and telehealth, which became increasingly common during the COVID-19 pandemic. Internet access also provides an avenue for social connectedness. Some studies have found that technology such as smartphones and social networking sites may help combat loneliness among older adults. Despite its necessity, barriers to accessing high-speed internet remain, including cost and deficient infrastructure.
Populations of older adults more likely to lack high-speed internet access include:
One of the barriers to accessing high-speed internet at home is cost. State policies and strategies that improve broadband internet access include:
The National Council on Aging lists several organizations that provide internet and technology education for older adults. AARP highlights programs available to help seniors access the internet, and the Aging Connected program helps older adults find low-cost internet options. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) eligible households can receive discounted or no-cost high-speed internet. Check eligibility requirements and apply here.
Healthy People 2030 has a goal to increase the proportion of adults with broadband internet access.
Amundsen, Diana. 2021. “Digital Technologies as a Panacea for Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older Adults: An Intervention Model for Flourishing and Wellbeing.” Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy 5 (1): 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1163/23644583-00501008.
Bauerly, Brittney Crock, Russell F. McCord, Rachel Hulkower, and Dawn Pepin. 2019. “Broadband Access as a Public Health Issue: The Role of Law in Expanding Broadband Access and Connecting Underserved Communities for Better Health Outcomes.” The Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics 47 (S2): 39–42. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073110519857314.
Early, Jody, and Alyssa Hernandez. 2021. “Digital Disenfranchisement and COVID-19: Broadband Internet Access as a Social Determinant of Health.” Health Promotion Practice 22 (5): 605–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399211014490.
Julien, Howard M., Lauren A. Eberly, and Srinath Adusumalli. 2020. “Telemedicine and the Forgotten America.” Circulation 142 (4): 312–14. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.048535.
Karimi, Madjid, Euny C. Lee, Sara J. Couture, Aldren Gonzales, Violanda Grigorescu, Scott R. Smith, Nancy De Lew, and Benjamin D. Sommers. 2022. “National Survey Trends in Telehealth Use in 2021: Disparities in Utilization and Audio vs. Video Services.” Issue Brief HP-2022-04. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Office of Health Policy. https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/4e1853c0b4885112b2994680a58af9ed/telehealth-hps-ib.pdf.
Older Adults Technology Services, Inc. and Humana Foundation. 2021. “Aging Connected: Exposing the Hidden Connectivity Crisis for Older Adults.” https://oats.org/aging-connected-press-release/.
Perrin, Andrew. 2021. “Mobile Technology and Home Broadband 2021.” Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/06/03/mobile-technology-and-home-broadband-2021/.
Sen, Keya, Gayle Prybutok, and Victor Prybutok. 2022. “The Use of Digital Technology for Social Wellbeing Reduces Social Isolation in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.” SSM - Population Health 17 (March): 101020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.101020.
Suran, Melissa. 2022. “Increased Use of Medicare Telehealth During the Pandemic.” JAMA 327 (4): 313. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.23332.
Yu, Kexin, Shinyi Wu, and Iris Chi. 2021. “Internet Use and Loneliness of Older Adults Over Time: The Mediating Effect of Social Contact.” Edited by Deborah Carr. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B 76 (3): 541–50. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbaa004.
America’s Health Rankings builds on the work of the United Health Foundation to draw attention to public health and better understand the health of various populations. Our platform provides relevant information that policymakers, public health officials, advocates and leaders can use to effect change in their communities.
We have developed detailed analyses on the health of key populations in the country, including women and children, seniors and those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, in addition to a deep dive into health disparities across the country.