Digital Health Technology Use in Prefrail Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Ohta Takahisa, Hatanaka Sho, Shida Takashi, Kojima Narumi, Osuka Yosuke, Okamura Tsuyoshi, Hirano Hirohiko, Awata Shuichi
Primary Institution: Tokyo Metropolitan Institute for Geriatrics and Gerontology
Hypothesis
Is digital health technology use associated with better physical, cognitive, and mental function in prefrail older adults?
Conclusion
Digital health technology may support physical, cognitive, and mental health in prefrail older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- DHT ownership was inversely associated with lower handgrip strength.
- DHT ownership was inversely associated with lower MMSE scores.
- Using searching was inversely associated with lower WHO-5 scores.
- Using video calls was inversely associated with lower WHO-5 scores.
Takeaway
Using technology like video calls and searching online might help older people who are not very frail feel better and stay healthier.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from prefrail older adults aged ≥70 years, assessing their digital health technology use and its association with physical, cognitive, and mental health.
Limitations
The study excluded individuals with impaired daily living activities, low MMSE scores, or diagnosed dementia.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 77.0 years, 44.0% women.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.47–1.00 for handgrip strength; 95% CI: 0.44–0.98 for MMSE scores.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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