Tailored interventions to promote Active Ageing using mobile technology: a feasibility study

Introduction: Mobile technologies facilitate innovative and ubiquitous interventions to promote Active Ageing in daily life. To ensure adoption, such interventions must be designed in co-operation with older adults. This work presents the results of a feasibility study of a system that monitors physical activity, well-being and weight of community-dwelling older adults. Previous versions of this system were used to coach physical activity among clinical populations[1-3]. Methods: Twelve adults aged above 65 used a smartphone, a pedometer and a smartscale for a period of four weeks. Afterwards, an interview was performed to assess the participants’ subjective experience regarding the use of the system. Well-being was assessed with a set of questions on the daily experience of positive emotions. The actual behavior was compared to the self-perception of physical activity. Results: Seven participants reported they became more active, although objective data does not support this statement. Four participants reported becoming more aware about their well-being through the daily questions about experience of positive emotions. In general, the participants were satisfied and would like to use such system in their daily lives; participants recommended incorporation of tips and warnings tailored to personal needs and capabilities. Conclusions: Older adults are willing to use technology to monitor their health and to coach them into healthier lifestyles. Daily life interventions must be tailored to the individual needs and wishes, instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach. The results of this study are transversal and assist in the design of interventions using mobile technology in daily life