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Benefits of a Wearable Activity Tracker with Safety Features for Older Adults: An Intervention Study

Author

Listed:
  • Simona Hvalič-Touzery

    (Centre for Social Informatics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Mojca Šetinc

    (Centre for Social Informatics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Vesna Dolničar

    (Centre for Social Informatics, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Abstract

Accidental falls and physical inactivity are important age-related issues for which smart technologies have demonstrated potential utility. This research aimed to explore the benefits of combining wearable activity monitors and telecare for older adults. A four-month interventional study was conducted between June 2021 and February 2022 in Slovenia. A purposive sample of 22 dyads of older adults aged 60 years and over and their relatives or family members used a wearable GoLiveClip device. The Pillar Integration Process was used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data. Seven pillars emerged: (1) the use of smart technologies as a motivator for physical activity; (2) factors related to smart technology use affecting physical activity levels; (3) increased usefulness of smart technologies for users who completed the study; (4) activity monitoring as the most useful functionality of the solution; (5) the influence of technical problems on usefulness; (6) the influence of age and previous experience with smart technologies on usefulness; and (7) moderate psychological effects of smart technology use. Activity trackers were found to effectively promote physical activity in older adults, and safety features were shown to be an important part of the solution, regardless of health status or physical activity level.

Suggested Citation

  • Simona Hvalič-Touzery & Mojca Šetinc & Vesna Dolničar, 2022. "Benefits of a Wearable Activity Tracker with Safety Features for Older Adults: An Intervention Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-26, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15723-:d:984596
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Amy V. Creaser & Jennifer Hall & Silvia Costa & Daniel D. Bingham & Stacy A. Clemes, 2022. "Exploring Families’ Acceptance of Wearable Activity Trackers: A Mixed-Methods Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-36, March.
    2. Shu-Lin Uei & Yu-Ming Kuo & Chung-Hung Tsai & Yu-Lun Kuo, 2017. "An Exploration of Intent to Use Telehealth at Home for Patients with Chronic Diseases," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(12), pages 1-12, December.
    3. Justina Y. W. Liu & Rick Y. C. Kwan & Yue-Heng Yin & Paul H. Lee & Judy Yuen-man Siu & Xue Bai, 2021. "Enhancing the Physical Activity Levels of Frail Older Adults with a Wearable Activity Tracker-Based Exercise Intervention: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-23, September.
    4. Catherine Park & Md Moin Uddin Atique & Ramkinker Mishra & Bijan Najafi, 2022. "Association between Fall History and Gait, Balance, Physical Activity, Depression, Fear of Falling, and Motor Capacity: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-14, August.
    5. Cecilie Karlsen & Carl Erik Moe & Kristin Haraldstad & Elin Thygesen, 2019. "Caring by telecare? A hermeneutic study of experiences among older adults and their family caregivers," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 28(7-8), pages 1300-1313, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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