Title: What are the perceived experiences of health fitness trackers for the elderly? A qualitative post-adoption study

Authors: Milad Dehghani; Kwok Leung Tsui; Inez Maria Zwetsloot; Reza Rawassizadeh

Addresses: Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong ' Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong ' Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong ' Department of Computer Science, Metropolitan College, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA

Abstract: This paper addresses some opportunities and challenges that researchers and designers deal with while designing wearable fitness trackers for elder individuals. We investigated the experience of the elderly using a fitness tracker through a post-adoption study by discussing technical, health, and consumer attributes. Twenty-one participants were recruited to wear a Fitbit (Alta HR) device for three months. After this period, we conducted a semi-structured interview to explore the elderly's experiences and perceptions with the device. We have used content analysis to evaluate written-interview transcripts. Our findings revealed that older adults perceived these wearable devices in six dimensions: 1) the adaptability in the user interface that caused hinder in daily activities; 2) aesthetic appeal (design, size, weight); 3) effort expectancy; 4) sense of security; 5) accuracy of received data; 6) functionality (battery shortage, lack of usefulness, screen light, waterproof, mobile measurement).

Keywords: fitness tracker; eldercare; healthcare; post-adoption; gerontology; wearable; smart wristband; Fitbit.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTMKT.2020.110125

International Journal of Technology Marketing, 2020 Vol.14 No.2, pp.181 - 198

Received: 23 Aug 2019
Accepted: 15 Jun 2020
Published online: 06 Oct 2020 *

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