A systematic review of ehealth interventions for healthy aging: Status of progress

Worldwide, old age population is projected to attained 2 billion by 2050, raising challenges for healthcare, social security, pension and long-term care. Several eHealth interventions have been as proposed as promising avenues to support healthy aging (HA), but effectiveness has not been synthesised. This study aims to systematically review the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HA. We performed standardized searches in relevant databases to identify (quasi)-experimental studies evaluating the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for HA. Outcomes of interest are: wellbeing, quality of life, activities of daily living, leisure activities, knowledge, evaluation of care, social support, skill acquisition and healthy behaviours. We also consider adverse effects such as social isolation, anxiety, and burden on informal caregivers. Two reviewers will independently assess studies for inclusion. Data extraction is based on standardised tools and done independently by two reviewers. An initial search led to 7039 potentially relevant citations. After screening titles and abstract, 60 full text articles were further assessed, of which 12 (presenting 11 studies) were finally retained for the review. Effect sizes related to each type of eHealth intervention will be calculated on the final selection. If not possible, we will present the findings in a narrative form. This systematic review will provide unique knowledge on the effectiveness of eHealth interventions for supporting HA.