JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

With the aging of the population and rising rates of chronic diseases, web-based interventions could be considered to support older adults in adopting healthy lifestyles. To date, published knowledge synthesis focus on older adult aged 50 years and older, while those aged 65 years and older may have different needs to be met by these interventions due to biological and physiological changes associated with aging. In addition, these 2 syntheses examined only quantitative studies, although other types of studies (i.e., qualitative) are available and could help advance knowledge in this field. A scoping review is therefore relevant in order to explore the extent of the literature on this subject.

Objective:

This scoping review aimed to explore the extent of the literature on web-based interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among people aged 65 years and older.

Methods:

A scoping review was conducted based on the framework proposed by Levac et al. Six databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review and Joanna Briggs Library) and grey literature were searched. Studies were selected by two persons independently. Systematic reviews, qualitative and quantitative studies focusing on web-based interventions to promote healthy lifestyle of people aged 65 years and older were included in this review. Data were synthesized based on the conceptualization of web-based interventions (i.e., use parameters, behavior change techniques, delivery modes and theories). A thematic analysis was performed.

Results:

Of the 12,935 articles identified, 59 were selected for a full-text review, and 20 articles were included in this review. Among these 20 articles, we found 11 distinct studies focused on a single intervention. The majority of the interventions aimed to promote physical activity among older adults. Various components (e.g., duration, combination of behavior change theories and techniques), and increased physical activity were identified. A favorable trend was observed in the use of web-based interventions to increase physical activity among older adults. Five themes (i.e., motivation, support, tailoring, barriers and perceptions) that appeared to be central to behavior change among older adults have emerged from this review.

Conclusions:

This review provide a better understanding of the components of web-based interventions that can lead to behavior change among older adults. Future web-based interventions should be co-constructed with older adults in order to better identify their needs and what they seek. Further studies should be conducted to focus on web-based interventions among the oldest old and to evaluate the effects on various lifestyle habits (e.g., diet, stress). These findings could guide the design and development of future web-based intervention to promote healthy lifestyle of older adults and lead to further studies on this topic.