Rethinking Wearable Activity Trackers as Assistive Technologies: A Qualitative Study on Long-Term Use

This study proposes that wearable activity trackers (WATs), such as Fitbit, Apple Watch, can be viewed as assistive technologies to promote older adults’ health and independent living. Qualitative interview data with 20 older adults (65 and older) who had used WATs for six months or longer were analyzed within the framework of the Match Person and Technology (MPT) model. We found that personal and psychosocial factors, environmental factors, and technology-related factors contributed to the participants’ long-term engagement with WATs. Determination and self-discipline, support from one’s family members and friends, and goal setting and feedback of goal accomplishment were among the most mentioned facilitators of using WATs for more than six months. We discussed the design implications of these findings