Kun Wang, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
| When |
Apr 20, 2026
from 12:00 PM to 01:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Where | Online |
| Contact Name | Jennifer Doiron |
| Contact Phone | 301-405-6403 |
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This seminar is hosted by the Southern Population Aging Research Center (SPARC) and co-organized 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.
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 ONLINE VIA ZOOM: Zoom Registration Link. Upon registration, you will receive an automatically generated email with the direct link for the seminar.
If accommodations are needed, please send request to meeting organizer (mprc-support@umd.edu) at least 72 hours prior to the event, if possible, to allow time to discuss and implement alternatives.
MPRC public events for Spring 2026 will be a mix of in person and online via Zoom. For in person events, all event attendees must follow current protocols.