A Multi-Generational Approach to Introducing Technologies for Assessing and Supporting Cognitive Health in a Rural, Underresourced Setting
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Older adults in rural areas can use smartwatches for health monitoring, showing high engagement regardless of tech skills. This intergenerational program successfully bridges the digital divide for healthy aging.
Area Of Science
- Gerontology
- Digital Health
- Community Health
Background
- Rural, older, diverse populations in the Southern U.S. desire to age in place and adopt healthy behaviors.
- Access and mobile technology literacy barriers hinder the use of wireless fitness devices for health monitoring in these underresourced areas.
Purpose Of The Study
- To test the feasibility and acceptance of using smartwatches for health monitoring among older adults in a rural, underserved community.
- To evaluate an intergenerational partnership approach involving high school students and local health educators to promote technology adoption for health.
Main Methods
- A pilot study utilized Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to deliver health survey questions via smartwatch to 33 older adults, 4 times daily.
- Screening measures assessed cognition, health literacy, and technology competence. Feasibility and correlational analyses examined relationships between these measures and smartwatch use.
Main Results
- A high response rate (91% of older adults, 77.80% overall) to smartwatch prompts was observed, independent of health literacy, technology self-efficacy, cognition, education, age, or rural status.
- Increased social contact correlated positively with physical activity, mental engagement, and self-perceived cognitive sharpness.
- The training and smartwatch system proved functional across varying levels of technology and health literacy.
Conclusions
- An intergenerational partnership effectively facilitated older adults' use of smartwatch technology for health monitoring, overcoming common access and literacy barriers.
- This approach supports healthy aging in place by enhancing self-awareness of health habits and social connections.
- Findings highlight the potential of community-based, technology-assisted interventions for improving health outcomes in rural, underserved populations.
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