Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD): Exploring Older Adults’ Views of Digital Technology for Physical Activity

BACKGROUND: The use of digital technology for supporting physical activity (PA) in older adults has increased recently despite the paucity of research exploring perceptions and age-appropriateness of these technologies. METHODS: Older adults (n = 120) residing in care homes (n = 45) and living independently (n = 75) in England and Scotland, as well as care home staff (n = 30) and young adults (n = 7) appraised a variety of different PA technologies (eg, online and digital platforms, exergames, and virtual reality headsets) through a multiphase approach. Technologies were presented as a "menu" to participants to select at interactive sessions. Feedback was collected through focus groups, interviews, codesign workshops, and field notes, all analyzed thematically. Participant characteristics including PA levels and familiarity with technology were collected via questionnaire at baseline and after appraising selected technologies. RESULTS: Qualitative findings explored 6 overarching themes: (1) recognizing the potential of technology, (2) suitability of PA technology, (3) barriers to using PA technology, (4) motivation to engage with digital technology, (5) content suggestions for future PA technology, and (6) preferences for PA technology delivery. PA engagement and prior experience with digital technologies varied greatly at baseline. Overall, participants' perceptions and appraisal of the PA technologies varied according to their context and setting, prior experience with technology, and PA engagement. Quantitative data were challenging to gather, with complete data available from only 18% out of those consented. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults in this study demonstrated a keen interest in digital technologies for PA, but context- and health-related barriers for engagement with these tools need addressing.