Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD): Exploring older adults' views of digital technology for physical activity

Citation

Tomaz SA, Shore CB, Ryde GC, Cooper LAN, Bradwell HL, Hennessy CH, Jones RB, Haynes R & Whittaker AC (2026) Generating Older Active Lives Digitally (GOALD): Exploring older adults' views of digital technology for physical activity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2024-0799

Abstract
Background: The use of digital technology for supporting physical activity (PA) in older adults has increased recently despite the paucity of research exploring perceptions and age-appropriateness of these technologies. Methods: Older adults (n=120) residing in care homes (n=45) and living independently (n=75) in England and Scotland, as well as care home staff (n=30) and young adults (n=7) appraised a variety of different PA technologies (e.g., online and digital platforms, exergames, virtual reality headsets) through a multi-phase approach. Technologies were presented as a ‘menu’ to participants to select at interactive sessions. Feedback was collected through focus groups, interviews, co-design workshops and field notes, all analysed thematically. Participant characteristics including PA levels and familiarity with technology were collected via questionnaire at baseline and after appraising selected technologies. Results: Qualitative findings explored six overarching themes: (1) recognising the potential of technology, (2) suitability of PA technology, (3) barriers to using PA technology, (4) motivation to engage with digital technology, (5) content suggestions for future PA technology, and (6) preferences for PA technology delivery. PA engagement and prior experience with digital technologies varied greatly at baseline. Overall, participants’ perceptions and appraisal of the PA technologies varied according to their context and setting, prior experience with technology, and PA engagement. Quantitative data were challenging to gather, with complete data available from only 18% out of those consented. Conclusions: Older adults in this study demonstrated a keen interest in digital technologies for PA, but context- and health-related barriers for engagement with these tools need addressing.

Keywords
Exercise; e-gaming; qualitative research; gerontology

Notes
This project has received funding from the UKRI and ESRC Healthy Ageing Social Behavioural and Design Research Programme (SBDRP) grant No ES/V016113/1. Data from this project are deposited within the UK Data Service, in accordance with the funder’s requirements. For the purpose of open access, the author has applied a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) licence to any Author Accepted Manuscript version arising. 

Journal
Journal of Physical Activity and Health