Active not recruitingPHASE2INTERVENTIONAL

Healthy Ageing: a Feasibility Study to Evaluate Digitally-enabled Ways to Support Healthy Ageing

This research wants to find out if digital tools, such as smartwatches and special apps, can help older people (aged 65 and over) lead healthier lives. Many people feel a bit less robust as they get older, which can affect their quality of life. This study aims to check if these digital interventions are practical to use and if they actually make a difference in encouraging healthy habits. Participants will use smart devices, with some getting personalised coaching through an app, others getting standard data feedback, and a control group receiving an educational leaflet. The study will last 6 months and will help future, larger studies understand how best to support healthy ageing with technology.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

PHASE2

Sponsor

Imperial College London

Enrolment target

Start

28 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Frailty Older Adults (65 Years and Older)Digital Health Intervention Feasibility Studies

What is this study about?

This research project is looking into new ways to help older adults, specifically those aged 65 and over, stay healthy as they get older. As people age, they can sometimes become a bit less resilient, a condition often called 'frailty'. This can make everyday life harder and lead to more hospital visits. This study wants to explore if giving older adults digital tools, like smartwatches and special apps, can help them improve their health and wellbeing. It's a 'feasibility study', which means the main goal isn't to prove that the tools definitely work, but rather to find out if it's even possible and practical to run a larger study on these tools in the future.

The researchers will compare three different approaches. One group will use smart devices (like a smartwatch and a sleep mat) linked to a special 'Healthy Habits' app. This app will give them personalised feedback and coaching on things like how active they are. Another group will use similar smart devices but with a standard app that gives more general feedback. Finally, a third group will receive an educational leaflet about healthy behaviours. The study wants to see how easy these different approaches are for people to use, whether people like them, and if they start to make a positive difference to their habits.

Ultimately, this study hopes to provide valuable information. It will help researchers understand if these digital methods are a good way to encourage healthier choices in older adults. This information could then be used to design bigger, more definitive studies in the future, which could lead to better support and tools for healthy ageing across the UK.

Key takeaways

Study for people aged 65+ living at home in London.
Investigates if digital tools can help encourage healthy habits.
Compares personalised app coaching, standard app feedback, and an information leaflet.
Participation involves using smart devices (for some) and regular check-ups over 6 months.
Helps researchers plan better ways to support healthy ageing in the future.
Voluntary; you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 65 or older who live in their own homes within certain London areas. You should be able to speak and understand English and be willing to try an exercise programme. You also need to be taking at least one regular medication.

They are specifically looking for people who are considered 'pre-frail' – meaning you might be starting to feel a bit less robust than you used to, but you're not severely frail. You'll have an assessment to check this. You also need to be able to give your informed consent to take part in the study.

You won't be able to join if you're under 65, live outside of London or in a nursing home, or aren't taking any medication. If you have significant memory problems, severe physical limitations that stop you from doing daily activities or exercise, or serious ongoing health conditions like heart problems, active cancer, or severe depression, you won't be eligible. Also, if you're already in another clinical study or can't commit to the full six months, you won't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 65 years old or older?
Do you live in your own home within certain London boroughs?
Are you willing and able to try an exercise programme?
Are you taking at least one regular prescription medication?
Can you speak and understand English?
Do you have good memory and no serious ongoing health conditions that would stop you from exercising?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for six months. You'll either be given smart devices (like a smartwatch and a sleep mat) to wear, or you'll be part of a group that receives an educational leaflet. If you get the devices, one group will use a special 'Healthy Habits' app with coaching for the first three months, then switch to a standard app. Another group will use a standard app for the full six months. You'll need to wear these devices daily.

Throughout the study, you'll have check-ups every three months. These can be done either with a home visit or by coming into a centre. These visits will include various assessments and you'll also complete health questionnaires online. Additionally, you will be asked to keep a daily diary of any times you use healthcare services, like visiting your GP or a clinic.

Before you start, you'll complete an eligibility questionnaire and have a health screening to make sure the study is right for you. If you're eligible, you'll sign a consent form, and then you'll be randomly put into one of the three groups.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as receiving personalised feedback on your activity and sleep, which could help you adopt healthier habits. You'll also be contributing valuable information that could help improve support for healthy ageing in the future. As this is a feasibility study involving digital tools, there are likely minimal direct risks, but all research carries some unknowns. You might find the devices or apps take some getting used to, or that the regular assessments are time-consuming. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Helix Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'frailty'?

Frailty means you might feel a bit less strong or resilient, making you more vulnerable to stress or illness as you get older.

What kind of 'smart devices' will I use?

You might use a smartwatch (like a fitness tracker) and a sleep mat, which measure your activity and sleep patterns.

Do I need to be good with technology?

The study aims to see how easy these tools are to use, so you don't need to be tech-savvy. Training and support will be provided.

Will I have to exercise intensely?

The study encourages active minutes and steps, but your participation in an exercise programme will be carefully considered for your safety and ability.

What happens after 6 months?

After six months, your participation in the study will end. You'll no longer use the devices or apps for the research.