Technology
Your health app may be failing you
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Healthcare has moved onto your phone. That sounds convenient until you are staring at a login screen, trying to refill a prescription, book a telehealth visit or figure out why your insurance portal will not load.
For many older adults, this shift has created a new kind of health problem. It is called low digital health literacy, and it can affect much more than your patience.
Digital health literacy means having the knowledge, access and confidence to use online health tools. That includes apps, patient portals, prescription refills, telehealth visits, benefit websites and digital forms.
New research from CVS Health on Medicare-age adults found that many seniors want to use digital health tools. However, they often hit roadblocks that make care harder to manage. Those roadblocks include confusing portals, privacy concerns, outdated devices, spotty internet and hard-to-follow health information.
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That can lead to missed appointments, delayed care, prescription problems and more stress for people already managing health challenges.
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Older adults are increasingly managing healthcare through apps and online portals, but confusing systems and security concerns are making digital care harder to navigate. (Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Why digital health literacy affects your care
Healthcare companies, insurance plans, pharmacies and doctors’ offices now rely heavily on digital tools. You may need an app to check test results. You may need a portal to message your doctor. You may need a website to understand your benefits.
That works well when the tool feels simple. It becomes a problem when the tool creates more confusion than clarity.
The CVS Health research found that digital health literacy challenges appeared across several common areas. Many older adults struggled to navigate health information online. Others worried about whether websites or apps could protect their personal information. Some lacked reliable internet or newer devices. Many simply felt unsure about what to click next.
That uncertainty matters. When someone cannot access a portal, understand a benefit or complete a refill request, digital care becomes a barrier instead of a shortcut.
Why seniors need better digital health support
One of the most important findings is encouraging. Older adults are not rejecting technology across the board. In fact, the research found that 86% of respondents were open to digital health engagement. Many were willing to learn. They just wanted tools that matched their comfort level.
That point challenges a common assumption. The bigger issue is design. Many people want to use digital health tools, but the experience often feels confusing. A person may use a smartphone every day and still struggle with a health portal. Health tasks can feel more stressful than everyday online tasks because the stakes are higher. A wrong click can feel risky. A confusing message can raise anxiety. A failed login can delay something important.
Common digital health problems older adults face
The research points to several pain points that will feel familiar to many older adults.
1) Confusing portals and health websites
Many people feel overwhelmed when trying to find health information online. They may not know which portal to use, where to check benefits or how to fix an error message. This gets harder when each doctor, pharmacy or insurer uses a different system. One login handles test results. Another handles prescriptions. A separate website shows insurance coverage. That creates a lot of digital homework.
2) Passwords and login problems
Simple tasks can fall apart at the login screen. Forgotten passwords, two-factor codes and account lockouts can stop someone from getting the care information they need. Security matters. Still, a login process that feels impossible can push people away from digital care entirely.
3) Privacy and scam concerns
Many older adults worry about sharing personal information online. That concern makes sense. Health accounts can contain sensitive details, including medications, diagnoses, insurance information and payment data. Scammers also target older adults with fake medical messages, bogus pharmacy alerts and phishing emails that look official. As a result, some people hesitate even when a real health message arrives.
4) Old devices and weak internet access
Digital health tools assume people have reliable internet, updated phones and working software. Many do not. Older devices may run slowly or fail to support newer apps. Limited internet access can make telehealth frustrating. Cost can also stop people from upgrading devices or paying for faster service.
Why telehealth still feels risky for some seniors
Telehealth became familiar to many people during the pandemic. The research found that many Medicare respondents had previous telehealth experience and saw its convenience. Still, some remained skeptical. The biggest concern was whether telehealth could actually address their health problem.
That hesitation makes sense. A video visit may work well for a follow-up question, medication discussion or minor issue. It may feel wrong for a new symptom, pain that needs an exam or anything that feels urgent. The takeaway is simple. Telehealth works best when patients understand when to use it and when to ask for in-person care.
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New CVS Health research found many Medicare-age adults want to use digital health tools, but outdated devices, login issues and privacy fears remain major obstacles. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
How AI could change digital health literacy
AI is starting to appear in healthcare tools. It may help explain benefits, answer basic questions and guide people through online tasks. Used well, AI could reduce frustration. It could translate confusing health language into plain English. It could help someone find the right next step faster.
However, AI also creates a new challenge. People need to know when they are dealing with AI, what the tool can do and when they should ask for a real person. That human backup is important. For healthcare, trust often depends on knowing help is available when something feels confusing, sensitive or serious.
How to use health apps safely
If you have ever felt stuck inside a health app, you are not alone. Digital health tools can help you manage care, but only when you know how to use them safely. Here are the key things to know.
1) Keep a written list of your health logins
Keep a secure list of your main health websites and apps. Include your doctor portal, pharmacy account, insurance account and telehealth platform. A password manager can make this much easier. It can store strong passwords, fill them in for you and reduce the chance that you type your information into a fake site. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at CyberGuy.com.
On iPhone running: Go to Settings > General > AutoFill & Passwords. Turn on AutoFill Passwords and Passkeys. Then choose the password app you want to use. Apple says Password AutoFill can fill saved passwords and passkeys from the Passwords app or supported password apps.
On a Samsung phone: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Go to Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Passwords, passkeys and autofill > Preferred service. Choose Samsung Pass, Google or your preferred password manager. If you do not see that path, open Settings and use the search bar at the top to search Preferred service.
2) Go straight to the official website or app
If you get a text or email about your health account, avoid clicking the link. Open the official app from your phone’s home screen. You can also type the website into your browser yourself. This one habit can help you avoid many phishing scams. If a message says your account has a problem, do not use the link in that message. Go directly to the health app, pharmacy app, doctor portal or insurance website.
3) Turn on two-factor authentication
4) Ask for human help when you get stuck
You should not have to guess your way through healthcare. If a portal confuses you, call the provider, pharmacy or insurance plan directly using the number on your card or the official website. Ask them to walk you through the task slowly. You can also ask whether they offer in-person help, phone support or printed instructions.
5) Use telehealth for the right kind of visit
Telehealth can work well for follow-ups, prescription questions, some mental health appointments and simple care needs. For new symptoms, severe pain, breathing trouble or anything that feels urgent, ask whether you need in-person care. When in doubt, call a medical professional.
6) Check app permissions
Health apps may ask for access to your location, camera, microphone, photos or notifications. Some permissions make sense. Others may not be necessary.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. Tap the item you want to check, such as Location Services, Camera, Microphone or Photos. Tap the health app you want to review. Choose the safest option that still lets the app work. Apple says this area lets you review which apps can access features such as the camera, microphone and location.
To check notifications on iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > [name of health app] > Notifications. Turn Allow Notifications on or off.
On a Samsung: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer Go to Settings > Apps > tap the three dots in the upper-right corner > Permission manager. Tap a permission, such as Location, Camera or Microphone. Tap the health app you want to review. Choose Allow only while using the app, Ask every time or Don’t allow, depending on what you want the app to access.
To check notifications on Samsung, go to Settings > Apps > [name of health app] > Notifications. Turn notifications on or off.
7) Keep your phone and health apps updated
Updates can fix bugs and close security holes. They can also make apps work better with your doctor, pharmacy or insurance portal.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Wait for the screen to check for updates. If an update appears, tap Download and Install and follow the instructions.
To update apps on iPhone, open the App Store. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Scroll down to App Updates. Tap Update next to the health app or tap Update All.
On a Samsung phone: Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. If an update appears, tap Install now and follow the instructions.
To update apps on Samsung, open the Google Play Store. Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Tap Manage apps & device. Tap Updates available. Tap Update next to the health app or tap Update all.
For Samsung apps, open the Galaxy Store app. Tap Menu in the bottom-right corner. Tap Updates. Tap Update all to update everything, or tap the update icon next to one app to update it by itself.
8) Add strong antivirus software
Strong antivirus software can help protect you from scam links, fake websites, malicious downloads and other online threats. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. This matters because health accounts can contain personal details, insurance information and prescription data. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
9) Watch for scam warning signs
Be careful with messages that create panic. Scammers may say your benefits will stop, your prescription has been canceled, or your account has been locked. Look for spelling errors, strange links, urgent demands and requests for payment. Real health organizations should never pressure you to share passwords or one-time codes. If you are unsure, stop and call the company using a phone number from your card, bill or official website.
How to help a loved one use health apps
Many older adults want support, not someone taking over the whole process. If you help a parent, spouse or friend, sit beside them and let them do the clicking when possible. Explain what each step means. Help them save official websites as bookmarks so they can return safely later. Also, slow down. Healthcare already feels stressful. Technology can make that stress worse when someone feels embarrassed or rushed. A little calm help can build confidence over time.
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Telehealth and online prescription systems can simplify care, but many seniors still struggle with passwords, portals and scam risks tied to digital health platforms. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Kurt’s key takeaways
Digital health tools are now part of everyday care. They can save time and make routine tasks easier. Yet they can also leave people behind when the design feels confusing, or the support disappears too quickly. The best health technology should make people feel more in control. That means simple logins, clear instructions and an easy way to reach a real person when something goes wrong. For older adults and the families who love them, digital health literacy has become a practical safety skill. It can affect whether people book appointments, refill medications and feel safe using online care.
When your healthcare moves onto a screen, who should be responsible for making sure you can actually use it? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Nothing’s next budget phone is the latest victim of RAMageddon. As 9to5Google reports, Nothing co-founder Akis Evangelidis announced in a post on X that a follow-up to the CMF Phone 2 Pro won’t be coming this year:
We were working on a successor but with memory prices where they are right now, we can’t build a phone that feels like a genuine step forward at a price that makes sense for CMF. As a result, we’ve decided not to launch a new CMF phone this year.
Last week, Nothing CEO and co-founder Carl Pei also said the RAM shortage has impacted the cost of the company’s mid-range phone, stating, “For Phone 4A, memory costs doubled between when we decided to build the device and when it launched. They’ve doubled again since.” According to Pei, “memory is now the most expensive component in a smartphone.” Nothing is far from the only company facing RAM pricing challenges — earlier this week, Tim Cook announced Apple will be raising prices, saying “the situation has become unsustainable.”
While there won’t be a new CMF phone this year, Evangelidis added in his post that CMF still has “several new products launching as well as some entirely new categories.” He also hinted that “the smartphone launch season at Nothing isn’t over yet.”
China approves world’s first commercial brain chip
Apple unveils new child safety tools, enabling parents to manage kid accounts, media access, communication, apps, and browsing. Tech companies like Meta, Roblox, YouTube and TikTok enhance safety with age verification, content moderation and time limits. China approves the world’s first commercial brain chip, raising privacy concerns.
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A coin-sized brain chip in China could help people with paralysis control devices using their thoughts. China has approved a brain-computer interface called NEO for commercial medical use in certain patients with paralysis caused by spinal cord injuries. That moves brain-chip technology out of research trials and closer to real-world medical care.
Developed by researchers at Tsinghua University and Shanghai-based Neuracle Technology, NEO sits under the skull but rests on the brain’s protective outer layer rather than piercing deep into brain tissue. That design could make it less invasive than some competing implants.
For patients who have lost movement, this kind of technology could be life-changing. It could help restore a level of independence that once felt out of reach. But here’s where we need to slow down a bit. If a brain chip can turn your brain signals into digital commands, we need to ask who controls that data and how well it is protected.
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China’s NEO brain implant could help some paralysis patients control devices, like prosthetic hands, with their thoughts while raising concerns over brain data privacy. (Tsinghua University)
What is China’s NEO brain chip?
NEO is a brain-computer interface, often called a BCI. These systems read brain activity and translate it into commands for an external device. In this case, the implant uses sensors placed near the brain’s motor-control area. Those signals can help a patient operate equipment such as a robotic glove or computer interface.
What makes NEO especially notable is its placement. Brain-computer interfaces can be designed in different ways, and some go deeper into the brain than others. The company most people know in this space is Neuralink, the brain-chip startup co-founded by Elon Musk. Its implant uses tiny threads that enter the brain’s cortex. NEO takes a less invasive approach by placing electrodes on the dura mater, which is the protective membrane around the brain.
That design matters because every brain implant carries medical risk. Surgery can cause bleeding, swelling, infection or tissue damage. Even a small complication in the wrong part of the brain can affect speech or movement.
China’s approval does not mean brain chips are suddenly available for anyone who wants one. This remains a medical device for a narrow group of patients. Right now, the focus centers on helping people with severe paralysis regain some digital or assisted movement control.
Why China’s brain chip breakthrough matters
The medical upside here is hard to deny. More than three billion people worldwide live with neurological conditions, according to the World Health Organization. That includes people dealing with stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and other serious conditions.
For someone who has spent years unable to move freely or communicate easily, even a small amount of restored control could feel enormous. That is why brain-computer interfaces are getting so much attention. They could give some patients a new way to interact with the world around them.
Neuralink has already shown what that can look like in real life. Audrey Crews, a Neuralink trial participant who has been paralyzed for years, publicly shared that she wrote her name using the implant by controlling her computer.
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How China’s brain chip compares with Neuralink
Elon Musk’s Neuralink has attracted most of the public attention in the U.S. brain-chip race. Musk has talked openly about restoring movement, helping people communicate and one day addressing vision loss.
Neuralink received approval to begin human trials, and more than 20 people have reportedly received its implant through testing. However, it has not received broad FDA approval for general commercial use.
China’s NEO approval puts a different kind of pressure on the field. It shows that China wants to move brain-computer interface technology into its health system and build a major industry around it.
This also fits a larger pattern. China has made BCI development part of its strategic technology push. The country wants breakthroughs by 2027 and a globally competitive brain-computer interface industry by 2030.
The coin-sized NEO brain chip rests on the brain’s protective outer layer, making it less invasive than implants that pierce brain tissue. (Tsinghua University)
Why brain chip privacy is such a big concern
We already worry about phones listening, apps tracking location and smart TVs collecting viewing habits. Brain-computer interfaces take that concern to another level.
A BCI collects signals from the nervous system. Today, that may mean decoding movement intent, such as whether a patient wants to move a cursor left or right. But as the technology improves, the data could become more sensitive.
That raises some big questions. Who owns the brain data? Can it be sold, shared or used to train AI systems? Could an insurer, employer or government ever demand access? What happens if a company changes its privacy policy after the implant becomes part of someone’s daily life?
Those questions sound dramatic until you remember how many connected devices began as conveniences and turned into data pipelines.
A brain chip designed for medical help should not become another ad platform, another surveillance tool or another database waiting to be breached.
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Could hackers target brain-computer interfaces?
This is where the whole brain-chip conversation gets very serious. Any device that connects to a computer raises security questions. A brain-computer interface raises even bigger ones because it deals with signals from your body and, in some cases, the devices that help you move or communicate.
The concern here is someone getting access to neural data, device settings or the commands moving between the implant and outside equipment. Think about that for a second. If a brain chip helps someone control a robotic hand, a wheelchair or a communication device, a security failure could affect far more than privacy. It could affect that person’s independence and safety. That to me is scary.
Companies building these devices need to treat cybersecurity like part of the surgery, not some software update they figure out later. Encryption, strict access controls, medical-grade testing and clear update policies should be baked in from day one.
And because a brain implant may stay inside a person’s body for years, long-term support has to be part of the deal. No one should end up with an outdated implant in their head because a company moved on to the next big product launch.
What China’s brain chip means to you
For now, this technology is geared toward patients with serious medical needs. So, no, most of us are not lining up for a brain chip anytime soon. But this should still get your attention.
We already give up a lot of personal data through our phones, watches, cars and smart home devices. A brain implant takes that to a whole different level because the data comes from inside the body. That is about as personal as it gets.
Before this technology moves beyond hospitals and medical trials, patients need plain answers before they agree to anything. They should know who can access the data, how long it gets stored, whether it can be shared and whether it can help train AI systems.
The medical potential here is incredible. Helping someone regain control or communicate again could change a life. But the privacy protections need to be just as strong as the technology itself.
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Brain-computer interfaces, like Neuralink, pictured here, could restore independence for some patients, but experts say neural data needs strong privacy and cybersecurity protections. (Neuralink)
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Kurt’s key takeaways
China’s NEO brain chip could be a huge step forward for people living with paralysis. If this technology helps someone regain control or communicate again, that is powerful. But I also think we need to be very careful here. Once a device connects your brain signals to outside technology, the privacy stakes change fast. We are talking about data tied to your nervous system. That to me is the line we need to watch closely. Brain chips could do incredible good. But companies and governments need clear limits before this technology moves any further into everyday life. The promise is real. So are the risks. And when the data comes from inside your own head, “trust us” will never be enough.
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Would you ever consider a brain implant if it could restore movement or communication, or does the privacy risk feel too personal to accept? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Relativity Space, the rocket company led by former Google executive Eric Schmidt, was picked to launch NASA’s Aeolus payload to Mars in 2028, as reported earlier by TechCrunch. Under a new public-private partnership, Relativity Space will provide the “spacecraft, rocket, and cruise operations” to fly Aeolus to Mars, where the payload will “provide the first integrated, daily, global view of Martian winds, temperatures, dust, and clouds.”
The Aeolus payload will have four instruments on board for studying the Martian atmosphere, which NASA says will “directly inform entry, descent, and landing systems and support safer, more predictable mission planning for astronauts.”
Schmidt, who served as CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011, became Relativity Space’s CEO in 2025, a couple of years after it launched the “world’s first 3D-printed rocket,” Terran 1, which failed shortly after launch. Relativity Space’s larger Terran R rocket isn’t scheduled to have its first launch until later this year.
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