Older Canadians Are Embracing Virtual Care—But Gaps in Access and Experience Persist

A new report from the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) at Toronto Metropolitan University finds that while older Canadians report using virtual care and are satisfied with it, significant gaps remain, particularly among those with lower incomes and more complex health needs.

In Older, Online and Open to Virtual Care: Insights from the 2024 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey, findings show that more than half (51%) of Canadians aged 50 and older have used virtual care at least once, challenging long-standing assumptions about older adults and technology. Usage also increases with age, with those 80 and older among the most likely to report using it. While this points to strong uptake among older Canadians, the report notes that the survey was conducted online, which may have captured a group more comfortable with digital tools.

Overall, experiences are largely positive. Among those who have used virtual care, 93% say their needs were fully or mostly met, indicating high levels of satisfaction. However, interest among those who have never used virtual care remains mixed, with only 37% saying they would be likely to use it in the future, highlighting ongoing hesitation and persistent barriers to broader adoption.