Twelve-month pilot study on wearables to enhance health and quality of life in older adults

Abstract

Purpose: Engagement in physical and social activities is crucial for successful aging. Methods: This study evaluates fall probability, quality of life and cognitive status following 12-month intervention. The intervention consisted in a monitoring scenario in which older adults were equipped with a smartwatch to track step count and home sensors to measure micro-environmental parameters. We evaluated the intervention overall and regrouped based on participants’ daily step count: low (< 4500 steps/day) and high (≥ 4500 steps/day). Results: The intervention had an increase in Tinetti Balance Assessment scores indicating a reduced fall probability. The low steps group benefited the most, suggesting that even light activities positively impacted balance and mobility. Quality of life significantly improved after 6 months, particularly in the high steps group. Cognition measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination improved in the high steps group compared to the low steps and the control group. Conclusions: Providing wearable technology can promote physical activity and positively influence overall health, even in older individuals with low activity levels. This real-world approach without external enforcement highlights the potential for simple technological interventions to promote active aging.