Kun Wang, University of Alabama Birmingham

This seminar is hosted by the Southern Population Aging Research Center (SPARC) and co-hosted by the Maryland Population Research Center (MPRC). Note this seminar will be hosted on behalf of SPARC at the University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) with a virtual component for all UMD attendees.

Presentation Title: Digital Health Engagement Among U.S. Older Adults Before, During, and After COVID-19: Trends and Racial/Ethnic Disparities, 2018–2023

About the Presentation

Using nationally representative data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2018–2023), this study examined changes in health-related internet use among U.S. older adults across pre-, during-, and post-COVID periods. Digital health engagement increased substantially during the pandemic and remained elevated post-COVID, especially for prescription management and insurance navigation. Although longstanding racial and ethnic disparities persisted, several gaps narrowed post-COVID among Black and Hispanic older adults. Findings highlight both progress and ongoing inequities in digital health participation in the post-pandemic era, and underscore the need for sustained, equity-focused digital inclusion efforts in aging and public health policy.

About the Speaker

Dr. Kun Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She earned her MSW and PhD in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Her research focuses on how social and structural determinants across the life course contribute to racial and ethnic disparities in older adults’ cognitive functioning and psychological well-being.

Seminar Format

Location IN PERSON:  Heritage Hall, 106* Note that the presentation will be from the University of Alabama, Birmingham campus (UAB) and held virtually.

Register use this link - Link is from UAB

Zoom Link: https://uab.zoom.us/j/88988996429

For more information through the UAB site: https://calendar.uab.edu/event/southern-population-aging-research-center-seminar-kun-wang-msw-phd

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