Means of Motivation or of Stress? The Use of Fitness Trackers for Self-Monitoring by Older Adults

Research has shown that self-monitoring can promote physical activity throughout the lifespan. Self-monitoring is defined as the documentation of exercising and health indicators supported by wearable electronic devices. Appropriate exercise is especially important for health promotion in higher age. It is, however, still unanswered how older adults actually handle devices for self-monitoring and which kind of feedback they wish and need. Also, motivational aspects and further consequences of use are rarely studied. The objective of the study was to evaluate experiences, opportunities, and obstacles of self-moni…