A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research by JMIR Publications has unveiled that community-dwelling older adults are more inclined to persist in using wearable monitoring devices (WMDs), such as trackers, pedometers, and smartwatches when supported by healthcare professionals or their peers.
The research, conducted by a team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University under the leadership of Dr Arkers Kwan Ching Wong, analysed data from three randomised controlled trials involving over 150 older adults. The findings revealed that interventions that heightened monitoring awareness and incorporated collaborative goal-setting and feedback mechanisms, notably the SystemCHANGE approach, significantly boosted adherence to WMDs.
Wearable monitoring devices, with their potential to provide crucial health insights, are a significant tool in the care of older adults. However, their sustained use poses challenges, especially for older adults who might struggle with technological intricacies or fail to perceive their benefits. This study emphasises the critical role of personalised support in helping older adults navigate these hurdles and integrate WMDs into their daily lives, thereby optimising the health advantages these devices offer.
Dr. Wong highlighted the essential role of healthcare professionals in promoting the adoption of wearable technologies among older adults. He pointed out that by collaborating with healthcare professionals to establish precise, achievable goals regarding the use of wearables, older adults are more likely to realise the long-term benefits of these technologies. The study suggests that future research should focus on creating and evaluating interventions that prioritise awareness and collaborative goal-setting, offering hope for further improving adherence rates among this demographic.
More information: Colette Sze Wing Chan et al, Effects of Peer- or Professional-Led Support in Enhancing Adherence to Wearable Monitoring Devices Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials, Journal of Medical Internet Research. DOI: 10.2196/53607
Journal information: Journal of Medical Internet Research Provided by JMIR Publications
