Sumiyati Sumiyati

The Role Of Wearable Devices Technology In Monitoring Heart Health In The Elderly In Indonesia

Introduction

The role of wearable devices technology in monitoring heart health in the elderly in indonesia. Explore wearable technology's role in monitoring elderly heart health in Indonesia. This study uncovers benefits, challenges like digital literacy & cost, and social factors for successful adoption.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in the world, including in Indonesia, with an increasing prevalence in the elderly. Limited access to health services, low digital literacy, and limited medical personnel in rural areas add to the complexity of heart health problems. This study aims to explore the role of wearable devices  technology in monitoring heart health in the elderly in Indonesia. The research method uses a qualitative approach with a case study design. The research subjects consisted of 12 elderly people aged 60–75 years, 5 family members, and 3 health workers in the city of Bandung and Cirebon Regency. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observations, simple questionnaires, and documentation studies. The results of the study show that the majority of the elderly consider wearable devices useful in early detection of heart symptoms, increasing health awareness, and providing a sense of security for families. The main obstacles identified include low digital literacy (42%), device costs (33%), and inconvenience of use (25%). Seniors who live with their families are more compliant with devices than those who live alone. This study confirms that the effectiveness  of wearable devices is influenced by social, economic, and cultural factors. With the support of families, health workers, and inclusive public policies, this technology has the potential to strengthen the digital transformation of elderly health services in Indonesia.

Review

This study addresses a highly pertinent and complex issue: leveraging wearable device technology for heart health monitoring among the elderly in Indonesia, a demographic segment increasingly vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases and often challenged by limited healthcare access and digital literacy. The research's focus on Indonesia, a large developing nation with diverse geographical and socio-economic landscapes, makes it particularly relevant. The overarching aim to explore the role of such technology in this specific context is commendable, pointing towards practical solutions for a critical public health challenge and contributing significantly to the literature on digital health interventions in low-resource settings. Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative approach with a case study design, gathering data through in-depth interviews, observations, simple questionnaires, and documentation from a diverse set of participants including elderly individuals, their family members, and health workers across both urban and rural settings (Bandung and Cirebon). The findings are insightful, confirming the perceived utility of wearable devices in early symptom detection and fostering health awareness, while also providing a sense of security for families. Crucially, the research identifies key barriers such as low digital literacy, device costs, and inconvenience of use, and highlights the vital role of family support in device adherence. Overall, the study provides valuable empirical evidence regarding the social, economic, and cultural factors influencing the effectiveness of wearable technology for heart health monitoring in the elderly. While the qualitative nature and specific geographic focus might limit direct generalizability, the identified challenges and facilitators offer crucial insights for policymakers, technology developers, and healthcare providers. The conclusion strongly advocating for inclusive public policies, family involvement, and health worker support underscores the practical implications of this research for strengthening digital transformation in elderly care services in Indonesia and potentially similar contexts globally.

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