Abstract
BackgroundPrevention of functional decline demands a holistic perspective of health management. Older adults are becoming avid users of technology; however, technology is not yet largely used in supporting self-management of health in daily life. Previous research suggests that the low adherence to these technologies is likely to be associated with the fact that opinions and wishes of the older population are not always taken into consideration when designing new technology.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of older adults living independently regarding technology to support healthy behaviors, addressing nutrition, physical and cognitive function, and well-being.MethodsIn-depth semistructured interviews were performed with 12 older adults addressing 4 themes: (1) current practices in health management, (2) attitudes toward using technology to support health management, (3) wishes from technology, and (4) change in attitudes after actual use of technology. The fourth theme was investigated with a follow-up interview after participants had used a step counter, a smart scale, and a mobile app for 1 month. Data collected were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants were active in self-managing their health and foresaw an added value on using technology to support them in adopting healthier behaviors in everyday life. Attitudes and wishes differed considerably per health domain, with cognitive function being the most sensitive topic. Fears from technology mentioned were attention theft, replacement of human touch, and disuse of existing abilities. Poststudy interviews suggest that attitudes toward technology improve after a short period of use.ConclusionsTechnology to support aging in place must target health literacy, allow personalization in the design but also in the use of the technology, and tackle existing fears concerning technology. Further research should investigate the effect of these strategies on the adherence to technology to be used in daily life. We outline a set of recommendations of interest to those involved in developing and implementing technology to support aging in place, focusing on acceptance, barriers, and ethical concerns.
Highlights
The increase of life expectancy is one of the factors contributing to the growing proportion of the population aged above 60 years in developed countries
Further research should investigate the effect of these strategies on the adherence to technology to be used in daily life
We investigate, through semistructured interviews, the current practices in self-management and the attitudes as well as the wishes of older adults concerning technology to be used in daily life supporting their health management and preventing functional decline
Summary
The increase of life expectancy is one of the factors contributing to the growing proportion of the population aged above 60 years in developed countries. These extra years are not always perceived as healthy years with the World Health Organization stressing the need to add health to years [1]. One possible solution is by empowering older adults to self-manage their health and prevent functional decline. Ambulatory technology, that is, technology that is used to assess or intervene during daily life experiences, in particular, can provide continuous real-time information on the health status of the older individual, detect changes over time, and promote healthy behaviors to prevent or early detect functional decline. Previous research suggests that the low adherence to these technologies is likely to be associated with the fact that opinions and wishes of the older population are not always taken into consideration when designing new technology
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
