Feasibility and acceptability of an in-home digital device health and activity assessment platform in a diverse South Texas cohort: a pilot study

Introduction Health tracking technologies hold promise as a tool for early detection of cognitive and functional decline. Methods This pilot study of 5 households [ N = 7 residents, mean age: 74 (5), 71% Hispanic, 14% Black] used the Oregon Center for Aging & Technology (ORCATECH) platform to evaluate the technology and acceptance of the technology over a one-year interval in South Texas. Cognitive assessments and other surveys were administered at baseline and end-of-study visits. Results Participants felt comfortable with the technology in their homes (86% Very Satisfactory or Satisfactory) and did not express privacy concerns (100% Very Satisfactory or Satisfactory). Conclusion Health, cognition, and activity measures did not significantly change from baseline to end-of-study. Depression scores significantly improved ( p = 0.034). The ORCATECH platform was an acceptable method of analyzing health and activity in a small, but diverse older population.