The overall purpose was to formulate specific recommendations for the use of apps and wearables to support ageing in place, and to identify development needs. The specific aims were a) to identify commercially available apps and wearables to support healthy ageing and autonomous living in older adults, b) to systematically evaluate the quality of the identified apps and wearables, and c) to evaluate whether they meet the requirements of the users.
We used a web crawler to systematically search Google Play and iOS app stores using a broad range of keywords considering relevant topics to support ageing in place. A PRISMA inspired procedure was used to systematically screen and select the apps for quality evaluation [1]. Wearables were searched based on 1) the scientific literature, 2) online searches (e.g., product reviews), and 3) wearable-specific apps within the app stores.
Researchers independently rated the quality of the apps and wearables using a checklist including the eHealth Suisse criteria, the system usability scale, and ethical and data security indicators. In addition, raters evaluated the extent to which the apps and wearables meet the expected benefits and needs identified based on focus group discussions and interviews in a previous project.
We screened 14987 apps covering relevant topics to support ageing in place, including information, everyday support, social interaction, activity and mobility, health and wellbeing, safety and emergency management, early detection and diagnostics. We included 195 (1.3%) apps and 34 wearables in the quality evaluation. Only a very limited number of apps and wearables were specifically designed for older adults. The final quality evaluation will be completed in November 2024.
Even though many assistive technologies are being developed, it is necessary to critically evaluate their quality before they can be recommended for the use to support ageing in place. Of the wearables analysed in the scientific literature, only a few are commercially available.
Guidelines on the use of apps and wearables to support ageing in place will be disseminated into practice through various channels and platforms to reach older adults, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. In addition, we plan to publish specific recommendations for the development or refinement of assistive technologies to support healthy ageing and autonomous living.
[1] M. Stach et al. 2020, doi:10.1109/CBMS49503.2020.00087.
ageing in place
older adults
