Project R-14802

The significance of an active healthy lifestyle Promoting physical activity in older adults using mobile Health (Research)

This doctoral dissertation addresses the urgent public health issue of physical inactivity in older adults, emphasizing its impact on chronic diseases, healthcare systems, and overall well-being. Through an innovative, multidimensional approach, it explores how digital technologies, particularly mobile health (mHealth) interventions, can effectively promote physical activity (PA) and support healthy aging. The thesis consists of three parts. Part I investigates PA patterns in 108 community-dwelling older adults using digital phenotyping, combining wearable sensors with real-time self-reports. Results reveal not only daily variations in activity but also the critical roles of motivation, context, and self-efficacy. Part II describes the co-creation and feasibility testing of the MIA app (More in Action), a personalized mHealth application built with and for older adults. Outcomes demonstrate high usability, satisfaction, and sustained engagement. Part III broadens the scope, positioning PA promotion within preventive healthcare and digital health policy, with attention to health equity and implementation challenges. This thesis bridges science and practice, showing how user-centered, theory-driven, and geronto-specific mHealth solutions can empower older adults toward sustainable behavior change and active, connected living.

29 September 2024 - 29 September 2025