Personalized nutrition interventions using digital technologies for older adults: a scoping review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Nutritional Science
• Digital Health and Technology
• Personalized Medicine

Background:

• Global population aging necessitates effective nutrition management for healthy aging.
• Digital technologies offer personalized nutrition interventions but evidence is limited.
• Older adults' unique needs require tailored digital health solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of technology-based personalized nutrition interventions for older adults.
• To examine the characteristics, effectiveness, and user experiences of these interventions.
• To identify gaps in current research and inform future development.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search following Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-Scoping guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies from 2010 to 2026.
• Included 12 studies after screening 2,727 records and assessing 28 full-text articles.

Main Results:

• Technologies included mobile apps, web platforms, messaging, and AI-supported systems.
• Interventions focused on dietary recording, feedback, remote counseling, and self-monitoring.
• Positive outcomes noted for dietary behaviors; limited evidence for physical function, cognition, and cardiometabolic health.

Conclusions:

• Digital personalized nutrition interventions can support dietary changes in older adults.
• User-centered design, addressing digital literacy and usability, is crucial.
• Larger studies are needed to validate AI feedback and assess broader health impacts.