The Acceptability of Digital Technology and Tele-Exercise in the Age of COVID-19: Cross-sectional Study

作者：Vanda Ho, Reshma Aziz Merchant · 发表于：JMIR Aging · 年份：2022 · DOI：10.2196/33165 · 被引用次数：32 · 研究领域：Technology Use by Older Adults、Telemedicine and Telehealth Implementation、Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility

BACKGROUND: With the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has been increasingly used to offset the negative outcomes of social isolation and functional decline in older adults. Crucial to the success of telehealth is end user adoption. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate perception and acceptability of digital technology among Asian older adults. METHODS: The Healthy Ageing Promotion Program for You (HAPPY) dual-task exercise was conducted virtually to participants aged ≥60 years. Questionnaires were administered digitally and collected data on demographics, perceptions of digital technology and evaluation of HAPPY, the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale, intrinsic capacity using the Integrated Care for Older People tool, and a functional screening with the FRAIL scale and five chair rises. Descriptive analysis was used. RESULTS: A total of 42 participants were digitally interviewed. The mean age was 69.1 (4.7) years. Hearing, vision, and 3-item recall difficulty were present in 14% (n=6), 12% (n=5), and 24% (n=10) of participants, respectively. Of the participants, 29% (n=12) had possible sarcopenia and 14% (n=6) were prefrail. Around 24% (n=10) were at risk of social isolation. Most of the participants (n=38, 91%) agreed that technology is good, and 79% (n=33) agreed that technology would allow them to be independent for longer. Over three-quarters of participants (n=33, 79%) agreed that they have the necessary knowledge, and 91% (n=38) had technological assistance available...