Information and Communication Technologies for Chronic Disease Self-Management in Adults Aged 65 Years and Older: Scoping Review.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>The increasing number of older adults living with chronic conditions has led to rapid growth in information and communication technologies (ICTs) designed to support chronic disease self-management. Although many technologies target behaviors such as medication adherence, physical activity, dietary management, and follow-up care, the breadth, characteristics, and design considerations of these tools for adults aged 65 years and older have not been comprehensively reported.<h4>Objective</h4>This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing literature describing ICTs developed to support chronic disease self-management among adults aged 65 years and older. Specifically, the review seeks to (1) identify the types of ICTs available; (2) characterize the self-management behaviors they target; and (3) examine the extent of older adults' involvement in the design, adaptation, or evaluation of these technologies.<h4>Methods</h4>This review followed the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Seven databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Compendex, IEEE Xplore, and Computers & Applied Sciences Complete) were searched, with all searches completed on December 15, 2024. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies published in English between 2007 and 2025 that (1) included adults aged ≥65 years; (2) addressed one or more chronic diseases; and (3) evaluated, described, or tested an ICT intended to support at least 1 chronic disease self-management behavior. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts and full texts; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. Data were charted using a standardized extraction template and synthesized narratively by technology type and self-management domain.<h4>Results</h4>Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Technologies were grouped into 4 broad categories: mobile apps, online platforms, wearable or sensor-based tools, and smart home or device-integrated systems. Physical activity and medication management were the most targeted self-management behaviors, whereas follow-up appointment adherence and dietary behaviors were less frequently addressed. Only a small number of studies explicitly involved older adults in the design or development process, and such involvement was often limited to usability testing rather than participatory co-design.<h4>Conclusions</h4>The current evidence base is fragmented, with substantial variability in technology types, targeted behaviors, and reported outcomes. Significant gaps remain regarding the participatory design of ICTs with older adults and the development of technologies that address multiple self-management needs simultaneously. Future ICT development should intentionally incorporate older adults and caregivers throughout the design cycle and expand beyond single-behavior interventions to reflect the multimorbidity common in this population.