A Multidimensional Digital Health Platform to Support Intrinsic Capacity and Healthy Aging: Pilot Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Digital Health
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Public Health and Aging Populations

Background:

• Global population aging necessitates continuous care models beyond hospital-centric approaches.
• The World Health Organization's framework emphasizes intrinsic capacity (IC) for healthy aging.
• Digital health offers remote monitoring but faces adoption barriers like digital literacy and usability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an AI-driven digital health platform (CAREUP) for monitoring and enhancing intrinsic capacity in community-dwelling older adults.
• To integrate real-time physiological, cognitive, and behavioral data for personalized IC management.

Main Methods:

• Pilot feasibility study involving 66 older adults and 17 caregivers across Italy, Romania, and Austria (Sept-Dec 2024).
• Utilized CAREUP system: Android apps, smart devices, and a dashboard over a 2-month period.
• Assessed usability (SUS), user experience (UEQ-S), and acceptance, alongside health and quality-of-life measures.

Main Results:

• 61 older adults completed the study; System Usability Scale (SUS) score of 68 indicated acceptable usability with cross-country variations.
• User Experience Questionnaire short version (UEQ-S) score of 1.45 indicated good user experience, with high Hedonic Quality (1.66).
• 80% found the platform interesting/helpful; 79% would recommend it. Physical/mental health and independence were maintained. Technical issues were primary barriers.

Conclusions:

• CAREUP is feasible for intrinsic capacity monitoring, demonstrating acceptable usability and positive user experience.
• Technical challenges and cross-country variations necessitate adaptations for cultural differences and digital literacy levels.
• System simplification, reliability, and user support are crucial for broader adoption.