The share and life expectancy of the ageing population are increasing. However, aged people are threatened by insufficient physical activity. Therefore, finding ways to support people to live a physically active life in older age is imperative. Digital wellness technologies represent a potential solution, but in order for such technologies to be effective, research is needed to gain a better understanding on their use among aged people. To address this need, this study investigated whether the use of a physical activity application can promote physical activity among aged people. The physical activity levels were measured at three different time points: before taking the application into use, after four months of use, and after 12 months of use. The results show a modest increase in the physical activity levels. When examining physical activity categories (based on the IPAQ-E), a participant rather shifted to a higher than to a lower physical activity category. Overall, the changes were more substantial after 12 months than after four months of use. The results suggest that physical activity applications used in everyday life have potential in promoting physical activity levels among aged people.

The ageing population is a growing priority area for policy makers and healthcare providers worldwide. Life expectancy is improving, but at the same time, insufficient physical activity threatens older age. Thus, an important question arises: how to improve the probability of people living a healthy and active life in older age. One potential solution to support physical activity and healthy aging is digital wellness technologies. However, digital wellness technologies are still typically designed for younger populations, yet a growing need and potential also among aged people is prevalent. Aged people are a user group with distinct needs and challenges. The main purpose of this study was to identify challenges and suggest solutions for implementing digital wellness applications into use among aged people. The focus was on the implementation phase. This study was based on a research program where groups of aged people implement into use a digital wellness application that is meant for tracking, following, and supporting physical activity and exercise. In total, 14 main challenges in implementing digital wellness applications into use among aged people were identified. These challenges are categorised into 1) technology-based challenges, 2) physical activity-based challenges, and 3) participant-related challenges. In addition, possible solutions for each challenge are suggested. The findings of this study provide both researchers and practitioners with insights on aspects that would be beneficial to be taken into account in designing digital wellness applications and building digital wellness interventions for aged people.