Requirements for Wearable Technologies to Promote Adherence to Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults

Abstract

Regarding healthy ageing, physical activity (PA) is one of the most important prerequisites as it improves several health outcomes as well as reduces the risk of various chronic diseases. Despite these positive effects, the participation and adherence of older people to PA programs is often low as there are several barriers that prevent older people engaging in PA on a regular basis. Great expectations are placed on technology-based exercise programs that use wearable and mobile technologies to promote PA. Since these technologies are primarily adapted to the needs and abilities of young target groups, however, there is a great need for empirical insights into their use by older adults. Within the publicly funded R&D-project fMOOC, a wearable-enhanced training system was developed to increase the PA of older people. Based on the user-centered design approach, four studies were conducted to investigate the requirements of older adults in wearable-enhanced training. Results showed that the majority of subjects (55%) engaged in the PA program on a regular basis. Furthermore, the most important motivation factors for use were the evidence-based training program, the fitness tracking device and the visualization of training results. In summary, it can be stated that wearable-enhanced training programs can support older people to increase their PA in everyday life. At the same time, however, various requirements must be considered to ensure continued, long-term use. In addition to technical design and robustness, there is a need for a stronger theoretical as well as empirical foundation.