Which activity tracker features matter to you? Older Black participants living with memory challenges and care partner preferences

Authors

• Rebecca K.F. Lassell, Indiana University Bloomington
• Christopher J. Carey, Indiana University School of Medicine
• Lola Sample, Indiana University Bloomington
• Hanley Elftmann, Arizona School of Health Sciences
• Laura N. Gitlin, Drexel University
• Jaroslaw Harezlak, Indiana University Bloomington
• Richard J. Holden, Indiana University Bloomington
• Amber L. Pearson, Michigan State University
• Evan Jordan, Indiana University Bloomington
• Ni Cole Keith, Indiana University Bloomington
• Kathleen Unroe, Center for Aging Research

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Innovation in Aging

Abstract

Background and Objectives There is a need to understand Black older adults’ perceptions and attitudes about commercial activity trackers to measure and monitor outcomes in clinical trials. We sought to identify the preferred activity tracker features of Black older adults living with memory challenges or dementia and their care partners. Methods Utilizing a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, 9 participants were recruited from Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. Data were collected through 2 focus groups with participants (n = 3) and care partners (n = 4), and a group interview with 1 participant and 2 care partners. The focus groups were guided by semi-structured interviews, whereas participants interacted with 4 common consumer activity tracking devices (Fitbit Inspire 3, Apple Watch SE, Polar Watch, Oura Ring Heritage). Audio recordings were analyzed using the Rapid Identification of Themes from Audio Recordings method. Participants ranked each device based on comfort, convenience, and features (eg, tracked outcomes of activity, distance/GPS, and respiratory rate). Device rankings were summarized with descriptive statistics. Results Participants with memory challenges rated Apple Watch SE highest, with mean scores in comfort (4.3), convenience (3.3), and features (4.3). Care partners rated Fitbit Inspire 3 highest in comfort and Apple Watch SE for convenience and features. Qualitative findings highlighted physical attributes and comfort (large screen size), convenience (viewing progress), and features (having an emergency button and GPS). Discussion and Implications Findings can guide the selection of activity trackers in future research for this population and may increase wear time and adherence in clinical trials.

DOI

10.1093/geroni/igag011

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Recommended Citation

Lassell, Rebecca K.F.; Carey, Christopher J.; Sample, Lola; Elftmann, Hanley; Gitlin, Laura N.; Harezlak, Jaroslaw; Holden, Richard J.; Pearson, Amber L.; Jordan, Evan; Keith, Ni Cole; and Unroe, Kathleen, "Which activity tracker features matter to you? Older Black participants living with memory challenges and care partner preferences" (2026). SOMA Student Publications. 7.
https://scholarworks.atsu.edu/soma-student/7