Mobile applications for time and event management in older adults and their careagivers: A scoping review

Time and event management is critical for independence in daily living, and mobile health applications are an emerging compensatory strategy that may support older adults as they age.

This scoping review aims to examine what applications exist for time and event management, the ability of older adults to use these applications and their effects, outcome variables used, and the strength of evidence.

A scoping review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. A search strategy and study selection process were developed. Six electronic databases, MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science, were used to identify studies exploring the use of mobile applications for time and event management in older adults.

The search returned 2,854 results, and 24 studies were identified for inclusion. Most studies examined applications that are not available on the market; those that are available primarily consist of manufacturer-based applications. Study participants often benefited from education, training, and support, and impacts were observed on cognition, functional independence, and self-management. Common outcome variables were related to usability and acceptance, behavioural and log data, function and independence, and quality of life and well-being.

While a small number of studies report benefits to cognition and daily functioning, there is a low level of evidence for these studies. There is limited evidence for the use of mobile applications for time and event management in older adults and their caregivers.