A new study carried out in North Staffordshire has shown that elderly patients are happy to use hi-tech gadgets and apps to manage their treatment – as long as someone can show them how to use the devices properly in the first place.

The investigation into technology enabled care services in the region involved interviews with providers of technology services and a random sample of hospital patients over 60.

It revealed that the patients all used at least one type of technology, such as a mobile phone or a tablet, regularly and that many used several.

Despite the common view that older people were wary of using computers, the study showed that many were keen on using technology to help their healthcare and regularly used apps such as Skype to keep in touch with their families.