Older Adults' and Healthcare Professionals' Perspectives on Web-Based Interventions to Promote Healthy Lifestyle Habits

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Web-based interventions (WBIs) have grown, especially for remote care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Understanding user perspectives is crucial for effective WBIs, particularly for older adults.
• Limited research exists on older adults' and healthcare professionals' views on WBIs for healthy lifestyles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore older adults' and healthcare professionals' perspectives on WBIs for promoting healthy lifestyles.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for WBI adoption among older adults.
• To inform the design of future WBIs tailored to user needs.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative survey using online questionnaires with 20 older adults and 22 healthcare professionals.
• Semistructured interviews conducted with 13 participants (7 older adults, 6 healthcare professionals).
• Data analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Older adults expressed skepticism towards WBIs, citing technological challenges and a preference for face-to-face interactions.
• Healthcare professionals acknowledged the potential of WBIs for supporting healthy habits.
• Both groups valued content on healthy habits but differed on delivery: older adults preferred standalone, while professionals favored integrated support.

Conclusions:

• Older adults' reluctance towards WBIs highlights the need to address technological barriers and integrate familiar care models.
• Healthcare professionals' support indicates a potential pathway for WBI implementation if designed collaboratively.
• Future WBIs should incorporate user-centered design, balancing technological accessibility with essential human support for promoting healthy lifestyles in older adults.