The equity of digital interventions for healthy eating and active living in older adults in high-income countries: a systematic review

Le résumé fourni par la source

Digital delivery of preventive health initiatives is an emerging avenue to support healthy eating and active living. Older adults face exclusion from digital health services due to limited proficiency with technology, or lack of access to appropriate devices or internet. Understanding how to reach older adults effectively and equitably is needed to support healthy ageing. This systematic review examined the extent of evaluation evidence, including effectiveness, of digital interventions for improving healthy eating and active living among older adults, and explored the equity of interventions. We searched Medline, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases, from January 2010 to April 2023 for primary quantitative studies of community-based interventions promoting healthy eating and active living) in adults 60+ years. Two authors independently conducted screening and critical appraisals of quality using Cochrane Rob-2 for RCTs and JBI for non-RCTS. Findings from 13 interventions in 6226 participants were synthesized narratively. Interventions were effective in improving healthy eating (four studies) and active living (seven studies). Nine had a low risk of bias. Reporting and investigation of health equity, digital equity and digital literacy support were lacking. Findings suggest digital health interventions positively contribute to healthy eating and active living among older adults. Incorporating equity considerations is crucial in design and implementation of digital interventions for older adults, especially considering the well-documented barriers faced in participating in such programs and the possible substantial benefits. Evidence gaps remain about both effectiveness and equity of digital interventions for healthy eating and active living among older adults.

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