Preferences Of Older Adults For Integration Of Remote Activity Monitoring Using Wearable Devices

PURPOSE: To describe the preferences for integration of wearable devices into healthcare to remotely monitor physical activity among older adults. METHODS: 243 older adults, 65 years and older, completed our preferences for wearable devices in healthcare questionnaire. Participants were asked to self-report demographic information, current physical activity participation, and preferences for inclusion of wearable devices as part of their care plan through a current provider (i.e. physician, physical therapist, etc.). Descriptive statistics are reported; data are summarized and reported as mean ± standard deviation or percent. RESULTS: Participants were on average 72 ± 6 years old, 59% female, and mostly White, non-Hispanic (93 Participants were inactive, with 75.8% reporting engaging in 0 days of strenuous exercise per week. 63% of older adults report they already own a wearable device, with the most common device being a wrist-worn device (89%). For those that do not currently own a device, 94% report they would be interested in owning a wearable device. 94% of older adults state they would be interested in using a wearable device as part of their usual care plan for their provider to remotely monitor their health. 88% report having no privacy concerns with sharing their wearable data with their healthcare provider. Participants report they would be willing to purchase their own monitor if it meant future out of pocket healthcare costs (83%) or reduced time investment to travel to the clinic (65%). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate older adults are interested in their care team remotely monitoring their activity levels. Further, the majority of older cancer survivors report they are willing to purchase their own device. Future research is warranted to determine an implementation plan to integrate these devices into current clinic workflows and determine optimal interaction among patients and providers. K01CA255414