Abstract

Older adults residing in rural areas face significant barriers to healthcare, including long travel distances, physician shortages, and mobility limitations. These challenges often lead to delayed diagnoses, poor management of chronic conditions, and preventable hospitalizations. Telemedicine has helped mitigate some of these obstacles by enabling remote consultations, but its potential is greatly amplified when integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI). This review highlights how AI-driven telemedicine can transform healthcare delivery for rural older adults by supporting timely diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and personalized interventions. AI applications, including diagnostic algorithms, natural language processing tools, and wearable devices, enhance clinical decision-making, reduce unnecessary travel, and promote self-management of chronic diseases. At the same time, challenges such as limited digital literacy, inadequate broadband access, privacy concerns, and the need for human oversight remain pressing. Addressing these issues requires coordinated policy responses, including investment in infrastructure, training programs, and safeguards for ethical AI deployment. Ultimately, AI-enabled telemedicine represents more than a technological innovation; it is a critical strategy to reduce health disparities, strengthen equity, and ensure that older adults in underserved regions can access safe, affordable, and dignified care.

Keywords:Artificial intelligence; Telemedicine; Older adults; Health disparities; Digital health equity