Community-Dwelling Older Adults’ Experience With Activity Trackers: Effects of Monitoring Physical Activity
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the experiences of low-income community-dwelling older adults with the physical, cognitive, sociocultural, and behavioral effects of physical activity measured with an activity tracker.
Method
The current qualitative descriptive study was conducted among participants in the Physio-Feedback Exercise Program, who were aged ≥60 years and from low-income settings in Central Florida (n = 19). A semi-structured interview guide was used to obtain participants’ experiences, and the responses were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results
Five interrelated themes were developed from participants’ experiences, including (1) Physical Activity Habit and the Activity Tracker, (2) Behavioral Effect, (3) Changes in Cognition, (4) Social Effect, and (5) Changes in Physical Function.
Conclusion
Physical activity monitored with an activity tracker enhanced engagement and overall well-being among community-dwelling older adults. Health care providers and caregivers should encourage physical activity and monitoring with an activity tracker to improve well-being in this population.