Application of digital health products in community-dwelling older adults: A scoping review

Although digital health products (DHPs) offer a variety of online services to the older people, facilitating self-health management, helping to mitigate the shortage of traditional medical services and reduce healthcare costs, barriers to their widespread adoption among the older population persist. This scoping review aims to identify the influencing factors, clarify the needs and preferences of the older users regarding DHPs. After screening 4,025 unique titles and abstracts and reviewing 138 full-text studies, 33 studies were included. DHPs, including smartphone applications, websites, wearable devices, social robots, and virtual pets, are commonly used by the older people. This article examines the influencing factors from individual, technological, resource, and other aspects, uncovering the needs and potential challenges faced by the older adults. In the future, it is advisable to focus more intently on the needs and characteristics of older users, personalize DHPs to help offset their functional limitations and enhance their overall well-being.