Fitness trackers help older adults stay active—but couples may face extra challenges

What is it about?

This study explored how fitness trackers and the presence of a spouse affect how active older adults are. Researchers gave fitness trackers to 240 people for a three-month experiment. Some saw real-time step feedback on their devices, while others didn’t. Some joined the study alone; others joined with their spouse. The results showed that people who could see their step counts walked more and were more likely to meet daily activity goals. Surprisingly, those who did the experiment with their spouse were less active overall than those who participated alone. The study suggests that while technology can help motivate physical activity, couples may find it harder to change their daily routines together.

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Why is it important?

As populations age, staying physically active is essential for older adults’ health and independence. This study highlights that fitness trackers offering real-time feedback can be an effective way to encourage movement. However, it also reveals that involving spouses may not always make it easier—because long-standing couple routines can make change harder. This insight is important for designing better health interventions that consider not just individual habits but also relationship dynamics.