Introduction to smart wearables in active ageing

Pay attention to your client's current status:

• Physical competence and working-out frequency
  If your client is already committed to their working-out regime for a long term without the usage of a smart wearable device, most probably will not find any benefits from using such a device. However, if they wish to improve their training status, and they are looking for a way to motivate them, a smart wearable device would be a great suggestion. Seniors who have less physical competence or functionality could use a pedometer to count their steps daily and remain active during their day.
• Technological literacy
  As research shows, individuals who are interested in and use technology in their daily lives are more prone to adopt a new smart wearable tracking device, such as a smartwatch. A senior who does not even use a smartphone, will not use any other more sophisticated and complex smart device. Nevertheless, for those seniors a pedometer would be a sufficient suggestion since a pedometer would make them more aware of their daily steps taken and help them improve by being more active in general.
• Barriers to adopt a smart wearable tracking device
  Pay attention to your clients’ perceived barriers to adopting a smart wearable tracking device. According to the barrier, an appropriate suggestion should follow. The device should be user-friendly, affordable and always related to what they wish to achieve. Some smartwatches even measure VO2 max and are quite expensive, however such information is not of any use to a senior. If someone does not feel any confidence to use a smart wearable device, they can use their smartphone at first and see if they find any value to the data they get from the device. For seniors who do not use a smartphone, a pedometer is sufficient. For the technology enthusiasts who look for a way to elevate not just their fitness status, but also find new interesting ways to spend their free time, a VR would be a great suggestion.