Developing a Wearable and Mobile Health Program to Support Active and Healthy Aging in Rural Taiwan

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the health and digital literacy of older adults living in rural Taiwan, particularly in Yunlin County, an area facing high rates of chronic diseases, frailty, dementia, and lifestyle challenges. This observational study aims to develop a wearable and mobile health research framework to monitor physical activity, sleep, cognitive biomarkers, and digital skills to support healthy aging. The project aligns with Taiwans Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan and seeks to establish a digital aging database and identify markers predicting cognitive and functional decline. Participants will use several digital tools including a research-grade wrist actigraphy device GeneActiv to track activity and sleep for at least two weeks, the iMED mobile health app for personalized education and medication reminders, and an under-mattress sensor iCue for those with limited mobility. They will also attend educational sessions based on the World Health Organizations Integrated Care for Older People framework and provide blood samples to measure dementia-related biomarkers. The study will occur in two phases from 2025 to 2029, with initial baseline assessments followed by ongoing monitoring every three months. During the study, participants will undergo physical activity and sleep monitoring, cognitive and functional assessments using standardized questionnaires, and blood biomarker sampling at baseline and study end. Data collected will include wearable sensor information, clinical evaluations, and qualitative feedback on technology usability and user experience. The study aims to follow participants for up to 36 months, assessing changes in health behaviors, mental well-being, and functional status while developing a sustainable digital health model for rural older adults.

Digital Technology for Active and Healthy Ageing in Taiwan