Technology-enabled interventions promoting healthy ageing: an umbrella review

Population ageing has prompted the need for innovative strategies to support older adults’ health and well-being. As digital technologies, such as telehealth, mobile applications, and wearable devices gain traction in healthcare, there is growing recognition of their potential to enhance the physical, mental, and social health of older adults. This umbrella review synthesises existing evidence on the effectiveness and implementation of these interventions, identifying key facilitators, barriers, and areas for future research. We included secondary studies (systematic reviews, meta-analyses) published in English on or before 31 August 2024, focusing on older adults who received digital or technology-enabled interventions. Searches were conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library using Covidence. Two reviewers independently screened, appraised using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) criteria, and extracted data, with third‑party adjudication. Narrative synthesis summarised evidence across diverse technology interventions, enumerating benefits, barriers, and facilitators. Forty-one eligible reviews were included. Telehealth and telemonitoring often improve chronic disease management, exercise adherence, and fall prevention. Digital platforms addressing social engagement showed reductions in depressive symptoms and loneliness. Commonly reported barriers were digital illiteracy, technology costs, and usability problems, while facilitators included user-friendly designs, consistent training, and collaborative involvement of caregivers or healthcare professionals. However, effects were heterogeneous and follow‑up horizons were generally short. Technology‑enabled interventions can improve older adults’ physical and psychosocial well‑being, but success depends on addressing digital inequities, usability, and data‑security concerns. A multi-stakeholder approach featuring user-centred design, robust infrastructure, policy supports, and continuous training is critical for long-term impact. We present a framework for designing and implementing technology-enabled interventions to foster healthy ageing.