Wearable Activity Trackers and Older Adults: The Social Effect and Importance in Healthcare

Abstract

Background: Many older adults develop chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, which are correlated with low levels of physical activity. Chronic diseases can result in a decreased quality of life, increased health care costs, and premature mortality. Adults, specifically older adults, who started using wearable activity trackers (WATs) have exhibited an increase in daily activity levels. Although WAT use has increased, only 7% of older adults use a WAT. The use of WATs has the potential to facilitate chronic condition self-management, with patients engaging in personalized care and health care providers receiving accurate data about patient physical activity. One benefit of WATs is the opportunity to develop social relationships. Social relationships have as much impact on physical health as physical activity. Older adults with larger networks show higher levels of health.