JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Digital technologies have the potential to contribute to health promotion and disease prevention in the aging world.

Objective:

The aim of this scoping review is to identify digital technologies for health promotion and disease prevention that could be used independently by older people in nonclinical settings. This scoping review is guided by the framework of Arksey and O’Malley and adheres to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines.

Methods:

Following database (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and SCOPUS; through to March 3, 2022) and manual searches (through to June 14, 2022) 90 primary studies and 8 systematic reviews were included in this scoping review. The eligibility was based on the PCC (Population, Concept and Context) criteria: (1) older people aged 50 or above (population), (2) any digital (health) technology, including mobile technologies (eg, smartphone apps, wearables), nonmobile technologies (eg, websites accessed via computer) or virtual reality (concept), and (3) health promotion and disease prevention in daily life in nonclinical and noninstitutional settings (context). Data items included study designs, PCC criteria, use pattern (health benefits, opportunities and challenges), and evidence gaps. Data were synthesized using descriptive statistics or narratively described by identifying common themes.

Results:

The included studies were published in 2005 – 2022 and originated predominantly from North America and Europe. Most primary studies were nonrandomized (50/90), reported quantitative data (75/90), and investigated effectiveness or feasibility (eg, acceptance, engagement) of digital technologies in older people. The participants were aged 50 – 99, predominantly female, affluent (ie, with high income, education and digital competence), and used or intended to use digital technologies at home or in community settings (eg, senior centers). The digital technologies were either mobile (eg, smartphones) or nonmobile (eg, computers). The devices were either ‘older technologies’ (eg, computers or mobile phones) or ‘modern technologies’ (eg, smartphones, wearables, or gaming consoles). Reported health targets of digital technologies were mobility, mental health, nutrition, or cognition. Small health benefits especially in physical activity outcomes were observed in the short-term relative to baseline or to no intervention. Feasibility was high, but engagement and use declined over time, especially if human coaching and technical support were not provided, the health relevance of digital technologies was not explicitly evident, and devices or their content were not tailored toward the needs of older people.

Conclusions:

Older people are capable of and enjoy independently using digital technologies for health promotion and disease prevention. Small health benefits observed in the short term could improve daily functioning and prolong independent living. Longer-term engagement with digital technologies depends on human support and tailoring of devices and their content toward older people. Clinical Trial: International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/37729