Social and physical effects of a pedometer and communication application among older men: a mixed-methods, pre/post pilot study

Abstract

We developed ‘Kikoeru’, a pedometer and communication application (app) for older people, with functions that include voice conversations and messages, photograph sharing, and pedometer sharing among users. This pilot study aimed to clarify the effects of Kikoeru on social connectedness related to interactions through the app, subjective health, loneliness, and setting a target number of steps for seven men aged 65 and older who lived at home. Survey items consisted of the Ando-Osada-Kodama loneliness scale, target number of steps, and subjective health ratings. We utilized interviews, seeking to determine whether users felt connected when using the app. The app usage days were collected from the server. The social and physical effects of the app were assessed using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods. Participants used the app for 54.9 days on average during the 60-day intervention period. Interviews revealed four social connectedness benefits: ‘constructing reliance’, ‘remembering to consider friends’, ‘awareness of friends’ daily lives and encouragement for me’, and ‘taking an interest in friends’. Loneliness decreased for four out of seven people, remained the same for three, and did not worsen for anyone. The target number of steps increased for three people, remained the same for four, and did not decrease for anyone. Average subjective health improved from 63.6 to 72.9 points out of 100 after the intervention. Results showed participants experienced social connectedness, reduced loneliness, and improved their target steps and health by using Kikoeru. Future large-scale studies with expanded sample sizes should be conducted.