Promoting digital resilience and healthy aging: Older adults' experiences with intelligent exercise

BACKGROUND: With the rise of the global aging population, innovative solutions are needed to support healthy aging. Intelligent exercise systems using IoT, big data, and AI offer real-time monitoring, improved safety, interactive engagement, and remote supervision marking a shift from traditional models and promoting self-managed health in older adults. PURPOSE: To investigate how Intelligent exercise influence older adults' digital resilience and adaptation, by integrating quantitative outcome measures with qualitative insights into their real-world experiences. METHODS: This mixed-methods study recruited participants via purposive sampling from a senior fitness club. Participants completed a quantitative questionnaire and a one-to-one qualitative interview to discuss their experiences and adjustment processes when engaging in intelligent exercise. RESULTS: A total of 69 participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. The intervention group completed at least six months of an introductory smart sports equipment course. Data were collected via questionnaire, and 16 participants took part in interviews. Resilience scores in the intervention group increased significantly from 21.35 ± 4.37 at baseline to 23.35 ± 5.4 after six months (P = .023). Further analysis of the interview data revealed that the use of smart sports equipment results in three core themes: (1) participants' health as transitioning from adapting to internalizing digital technology, (2) participants' experiencing exercises as aligned with their needs, and (3) fostering of close peer relationships. CONCLUSION: Intelligent exercise program can strengthen older adults' digital resilience and promote healthy aging. Future development should enhance usability and accessibility to support sustained adoption.