Brazil's elderly confront digital exclusion amid telemedicine rollout

Vice‑mayor Regina Maura Zetone of São Caetano (SP) released a video attacking the newly launched UBS Digital program, saying it deepens digital exclusion for seniors. The initiative, promoted by Mayor Tite Campanella, allows remote medical appointments via a mobile app, yet critics claim it primarily benefits doctors and forces patients to travel to a reference UBS for the “inverted” telemedicine service she previously backed.

The same problem was highlighted on the TV show Domingo Espetacular, which reported that roughly 36 million Brazilians aged 60 and over—about 17 % of the population—struggle to use digital banking, public‑service and health platforms. Specialists on the program called for more accessible design to preserve older adults’ autonomy as the country’s services become increasingly app‑based.