Navigating Through Innovation in Elderly's Health: A Scoping Review of Digital Health Interventions

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The integration of technology into the lives of older adults is rapidly increasing.
• Older adults are demonstrating growing proficiency with digital tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively map and summarize digital health initiatives targeting the elderly and their caregivers.
• To identify trends and gaps in current digital health research for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A scoping review was conducted between April and May 2022, adhering to the Joanna Briggs methodology.
• Searches included major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science) and grey literature.
• Thematic analysis was employed after independent screening and eligibility assessment by two reviewers.

Main Results:

• The review analyzed 421 documents, primarily published between 2013 and 2022, showing a recent surge in research.
• Most studies originated from high-income countries, focusing on home applications, predominantly using telephones and computers.
• Interventions aimed at monitoring, prevention, and treatment, utilizing directed communication, personal health monitoring, telemedicine, and decision support tools.

Conclusions:

• The growing adoption and proficiency of technology among older adults are fueling the rise of digital health interventions.
• Further research is crucial, particularly in middle- and low-income countries, and should focus on caregiver support and evaluating the effectiveness and feasibility of these technologies.