A Smartphone Health Application To Facilitate Falls Prevention Practices For Older Adults

Falls pose a serious threat to older adults’ health and their quality of life. Web-based technologies such as smartphones have emerged as vital tools for health-related behavioural interventions, but little is known about the potential benefits of a smartphone health application (app) in applying falls prevention practices for older adults. The research presented in this paper sought to answer the question: what are the key features needed in a smartphone health app intended to support falls prevention practices for older adults, increase their autonomy and improve their quality of life? A comprehensive literature review of studies conducted in public health, aged care, mobile health and mobile app design disciplines was undertaken and a conceptual framework for a smartphone app was proposed. The framework depicts the features of a smartphone app that can facilitate the implementation of falls prevention practices, including exercise programs; establishing a healthy diet and falls prevention education. Translation of the conceptual framework into a practical app will reduce falls in older adults, improve their sense of belongingness, and consequently enable better autonomy and quality of life