Senior citizens want to use gadgets, smartphones to stay healthy: AIIMS study

New Delhi: A new study by the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) has revealed that about 75 percent of senior citizens living in Delhi are keen to use and learn modern gadgets and smartphones to keep themselves fit and healthy.

The department of geriatrics carried out a study on nearly 300 elderly patients visiting AIIMS to understand how old people use modern technology to improve their health conditions.

Health experts say the most common application of mHealth (mobile health) is the use of mobile phones and communication devices to educate consumers about preventive healthcare services.

One of the authors of the study, Dr Prasun Chatterjee, assistant professor at the department of geriatrics, said: "It is still an ongoing study and preliminary analysis has revealed that around 90 percent of the individuals either owned a mobile phone or had accessibility to one. Among the medical issues, dementia, cancer and visual loss were their greatest fears."

"Nearly 70% of the individuals had a favourable attitude towards mHealth services. The mHealth services preferred were Health services (appointments etc), educational content and social isolation and security," he said, adding that this can promote further "mAgeing" strategies in future.