Use of mobile health technologies for self-tracking purposes among seniors: A comparison to the general adult population in Canada

Abstract

Based on a national survey of adults investigating digital self-tracking in Canada, this study compares seniors' use of mHealth technologies to the general population, and explores the factors related to their use. Despite significant differences between the two groups on smart technologies and Internet use, a considerable number of seniors in the community use smart phones and digital tablets and are familiar with smart devices/wearables. Yet, only 20% reported downloading mobile applications (mApps) and 12% indicated using smart devices/wearables. The majority of mApps downloaded by seniors were health-related; interestingly, their use was sustained over a longer period of time compared to the general population. No significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to satisfaction with mHealth technologies and intention to continue using them, which were favorable. Leveraging these technologies in partnership with health care providers, and sharing of health/wellbeing data with health professionals, family members or friends remains very limited.