Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Human Factors
Date Submitted: Sep 8, 2023
Date Accepted: Mar 15, 2024
Older Adults at Fall Risk's Knowledge, Skills, and Experience with Technology in Relation to Nutrition and Physical Activity; A Qualitative Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
More than one-third of older adults (age ≥65) experience a fall every year. Prevalent modifiable risk factors for falling are malnutrition and physical inactivity. Involvement of older adults in the prevention of falls can decrease injuries, hospitalizations, and dependency on healthcare professionals. EHealth can support older adults’ self-management into more physical activity and a sufficient intake of food. To reap the full benefits of eHealth, the technology must be introduced and tailored to older adults’ needs and preferences. It is, therefore, necessary to gain knowledge of older adults’ knowledge, skills, and mindset for technology.
Objective:
This qualitative study aimed to explore older adults at fall risk’s knowledge, skills, and experience with technology to gain an understanding of their motivation to engage with eHealth and explore their motivation and attitude toward self-management of physical activity and nutritional needs.
Methods:
Semi-structured interviews were performed with 15 older adults (9 women, 6 men, age range 71 to 87) who all had experienced a fall or were at risk of falling. The informants were recruited from a geriatric outpatient clinic to which they had been referred for assessment and management of fall risk. The interviews were analyzed using a deductive content analysis based on a modified Readiness and Enablement Index for Health Technology (READHY) framework.
Results:
The qualitative data showed that the social network had a positive impact on the informants’ self-management, use of technology, and mindset for physical activity and nutrition. Even though the informants in general lived an active life, they all lacked knowledge of how their nutritional intake influences their physical health including risk of falling. Another finding was the large diversity in the use of technology among the informants, which was related to the informants’ mindset toward technology.
Conclusions:
EHealth regarding fall prevention among older adults would be beneficial to those who use technology in their everyday lives. To reap the full benefits of eHealth, older adults must understand the purpose of the technology and the importance of physical activity and correct nutritional intake in relation to fall prevention.
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