Fitness trackers help older adults with health

A LEADING technology academic from the University of Southern Queensland has revealed the impact fitness trackers, such as Fitbits, have on the health and wellbeing of older adults.

Dr Ann Morrison from USQ's Digital Life Lab ran a research project earlier this year where she gave nine older adults a fitness tracker for three months.

"It gave them an awareness of where they were active," Dr Morrison said.

"Some had set routines, say they walked three mornings a week, but they found the days they spent in the garden were actually more active. It gave them more awareness of where their activity happened."

She said that awareness led to a change in behaviour of some participants.

"They did do things like when they went out they parked a bit further away and added a few extra steps into their day," Dr Morrison said.

The participants met weekly at a Toowoomba cafe to share results and encourage each other on how to use the technology.

Dr Morrison said most fitness trackers provided motivational features, like reminding you to move if you've been stationary for too long, as well as health features such as heart rate monitoring and the ability to use your phone hands-free.

She said all of this overall led to a positive health impact for older adults.

"You can't say wearable technology is going to improve the health of all older people, but as general rule that level of self awareness is what is interesting and motivating for all of them," she said.

Study participant Rose McGuire said she still wore her tracker every day and tracked her steps and sleep.

"I found the data very interesting," she said.

"It has been a lot of fun and it made me put in more of an effort. There is always a lot to do but we try to make it a priority, it has become a habit that I hope can maintain forever."

The new study comes as The Chronicle is running a deal where readers can buy a digital subscription and get a Fitbit included.