Author(s): Ramalho, André ; Paulo, Rui ; Duarte-Mendes, Pedro ; Serrano, João ; Petrica, João
Date: 2024
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/9068
Origin: Repositório Científico do Instituto Politécnico de Castelo Branco
Subject(s): Movement behaviors; Ageing; Digital techologies; Behavior change
This brief narrative review assesses how digital technologies—such as wearables, mobile health apps, and various digital tools such as computers, game consoles, tablets, smartphones, and extended reality systems—can influence sedentary and physical activity behaviors among community-dwelling older adults. Each section highlights the central role of these technologies in promoting active aging through increased motivation, engagement and customized experiences. It underlines the critical importance of functionality, usability and adaptability of devices and confirms the effectiveness of digital interventions in increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior. The sustainable impact of these technologies needs to be further investigated, with a focus on adapting digital health strategies to the specific needs of older people. The research advocates an interdisciplinary approach and points out that such collaborations are essential for the development of accessible, effective and ethical solutions. This perspective emphasizes the potential of digital tools to improve the health and well-being of the aging population and recommends their strategic integration into health promotion and policy making.
