The Effects of Using a Mobile Wellness Application on Physical Activity Levels : A Four-Month Follow-Up Study Among Aged People

Abstract

Insufficient physical activity threatens people in older age. Thus, finding ways to support a physically active life in the older age is important. Digital wellness technologies have been presented as potential solutions, but in order for these solutions to be effective, research to gain insights on their use among aged people is needed. This study investigated how the use of a mobile wellness application for tracking physical activity affects physical activity levels among aged people. The physical activity levels were measured by using the IPAQ-E. The focus was on the first four months of use. The study was part of a research program in which groups of aged people take into use a mobile wellness application. The results show a modest, however, statistically not significant increase in the physical activity levels after the first four months of use. The study suggests that digital wellness technologies have potential for promoting physical activity levels among aged people.