Safer Steps Ahead: A Digital Toolkit For Older Adults’ Fall Prevention

Institution: University of Ottawa

CSWB plan priority / Ottawa's 2023-2026 Term of Council priority: Integrated and simpler systems

Project Term: Fall 2024

Course Code: CMN 5100

Professor(s): Maria Cherba

Group Member(s): Bethsaïda Georges and Yutong Lu

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Objective(s): The research questions are analyzed and divided into three key focus areas: health messaging, digital technologies, and fall prevention through mobile health. Each area seeks to address specific challenges and opportunities related to engaging older adults and promoting fall prevention strategies effectively.

Health Messaging

This area explores how older adults consume health-related messaging today, focusing on both the channels and the content. For communication channels, the goal is to identify the most effective ways to reach and engage older adults. This includes evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of various communication mediums, as well as the potential for combining them to maximize impact. In terms of content, the study investigates suitable framing strategies and the specific types of information that resonate with older adults. The overarching objective is to understand how to communicate the importance of fall prevention effectively and meaningfully to this demographic.

Digital Technologies

The second focus area examines older adults’ internet usage patterns, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era, during which many were compelled to adapt to new technologies due to periods of distancing and quarantine. This exploration includes an analysis of current statistics on the most used devices by older adults and their patterns of interaction with technology. Barriers and facilitators to technology adoption are also assessed to better understand the challenges and opportunities faced by this group. The aim is to provide actionable insights into fostering greater acceptance and use of digital tools among older adults.

Fall Prevention with Mobile Health

The final area investigates the potential of mobile health (mHealth) technologies in fall prevention. mHealth refers to the use of mobile communication devices to improve public health and clinical outcomes through tools such as instant messaging, social media platforms, or specialized applications (Brew-Sam et al., 2022). This section aims to identify features of existing successful applications or prototypes focused on fall prevention. The research will explore the functionality and design elements that should be included in the development of the future digital Falls Prevention Toolkit, ensuring it meets the needs of older adults while leveraging proven-effective solutions.

By addressing these three interconnected areas, the research seeks to build a comprehensive foundation for developing innovative, practical, and accessible tools to support fall prevention efforts among older adults.

Potential for Impact: For the city, the findings from this research provide a comprehensive understanding of older adults' needs and expectations in two critical areas: health messaging strategies and preferences for digital technology. This knowledge forms a robust theoretical foundation for developing a digital Falls Prevention Toolkit tailored to the target audience. The insights guide the inclusion of the most relevant and necessary content, features, and functions in a fall prevention mobile application, ensuring it is both user-friendly and impactful. Additionally, these findings help the city prioritize resources and implement evidence-based public health strategies that effectively address fall prevention.

For older adults, the research offers an opportunity to raise awareness about the prevalence and preventability of falls. It challenges the misconception that falls are an inevitable part of aging, fostering a more proactive and empowering mindset. By involving older adults in the design and conceptualization of a digital application, this initiative ensures their voices and needs are central to the process. This approach not only empowers the community but also promotes greater engagement, trust, and adoption of fall prevention strategies.

For related stakeholders—such as caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers—the research delivers actionable insights on how to better support older adults. Caregivers and families can utilize evidence-based communication strategies to encourage safer behaviours and technology adoption. Healthcare providers can leverage this knowledge to design targeted interventions and provide personalized care, aligning their practices with the preferences and capabilities of older adults.

For the broader field of public health, this research advances the understanding of fall prevention among aging populations. It highlights the importance of integrating health messaging with technology to address the unique needs of older adults. By promoting age-friendly communication and accessible digital tools, the findings contribute to reducing falls and related injuries, ultimately alleviating the strain on healthcare systems. This holistic approach enhances the overall quality of life for older adults while fostering a more inclusive and supportive public health infrastructure.