JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The adoption of m-health technologies among older adults remains significantly lower than in younger populations, despite their potential to promote healthier lifestyles and mitigate age-related health risks.

Objective:

This study aims to explore the perspectives of retirement-age adults on m-health interventions, identifying factors influencing their adoption, such as persuasive elements in the design of an app and psychological techniques.

Methods:

A qualitative focus group study was conducted with 19 Spanish participants recruited from urban community settings in Madrid, Spain (mean age 61.5 years; 79% women). Participants discussed their attitudes, barriers, and preferences for m-health tools. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and coded using an iterative process to ensure rigorous data analysis. An abductive approach was followed, using the Persuasive Design Principles Framework and the Behavior Change Techniques’ Taxonomy and representing any theme outside those frameworks.

Results:

Participants expressed generally positive attitudes toward m-health tools, favoring intuitive, user-friendly designs that are minimally time-demanding. However, significant barriers also emerged, such as low digital literacy and concerns about technology dependence. Key design preferences (persuasive design principles) and psychological techniques (behavior change techniques) were deemed beneficial, with preferred features such as tailored and meaningful goal-setting, self-monitoring, positive feedback (e.g., social rewards), and a moderated use of notifications and prompts. Participants also stressed the importance of culturally and age-appropriate content and design, avoiding anglicisms and technical jargon while ensuring accessible interfaces and human-like communication. Social support mechanisms, such as group activities and peer interactions through m-health, were seen as critical for fostering motivation and engagement.

Conclusions:

This study highlights the need for culturally adapted, user-friendly, and tailored m-health tools to meet the specific needs of older adults. By addressing barriers and integrating features that enhance usability and social connectivity, developers can improve adoption and adherence among older adults, narrowing the digital gap and promoting healthy aging.