Climate change and the health of older people in Australia: A scoping review on the role of mobile applications (apps) in ameliorating impact

ObjectivesDue to the impact of climate change, mobile applications (apps) providing information about the external environment have the potential to improve the health of older people. The purpose of this research was to undertake a scoping review of the evidence on the usability, feasibility and effectiveness of mobile apps to encourage access to activities outside the home in older people. MethodsA search of databases was undertaken with relevant keywords. Selected manuscripts were judged for relevance to the inclusion criteria and assessed for quality. ResultsVery few published studies examined mobile apps specifically designed to prevent, or to treat, chronic disease in ageing populations, and fewer had rigorous designs. No study addressed accessing the external environment in the context of climate change. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that there is a gap in the evidence about the mobile apps designed for healthy ageing and, more specifically, to improve access to the external environment. Policy Impact: Future environmental health policy needs to harness the potential of mobile applications (apps) to inform digitally active baby boomers about appropriate activity and behaviour in relation to environmental stressors. Practice Impact: Health professionals should consider the use of mobile apps as an adjunct therapy for behavioural change in older patients with chronic conditions.