A - 04 Influence of Smartwatch Feedback on Perceived Health Behavior Change in Older Adults.

Abstract

Smartwatches may be used to promote behavior changes to improve brain and cognitive health. This study examined the effect of feedback from smartwatches on perceived behavior change in healthy older adults. Twenty older adults without dementia were screened and recruited (M age = 68.2, SD = 6.79) from the community. Participants wore the Garmin Vívosmart 4 watch for four weeks to measure variation in physiological measures. Watch notifications that provided feedback about sleep and activity level were enabled during the last week of the study. Participants completed a standardized 29-item questionnaire on behavior change at the completion of the study. Most participants (69%) reported that using the smartwatch was a positive experience. When asked about perceived behavior change since wearing the smartwatch, 50% reported that they "eat healthier", 45% reported that they "incorporate more activity into my day", and 30% reported that they "sleep more." When asked how their activity levels changed since wearing the smartwatch, 45% reported that their activity had increased. These results support the use of wearable technology as a tool to engage older adults in healthy behaviors. Feasibility was supported by the positive response to wearing the smartwatch by most participants. Additionally, preliminary data suggest that feedback from the smartwatch was effective in altering participants' reports of health-related behaviors. Further research is needed to determine whether feedback was effective in changing actual health behaviors.