2025/07/28 by Mirco, Ana, Viegas, Erica, Magalhães, Teresa
#Health Information Technology #Medicine and Health Sciences
paper · doi:10.17605/osf.io/5kfep
The global trend towards an aging population presents a major challenge for healthcare, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to promote active and healthy aging. This scoping review summarizes the latest research on digital health interventions, with a particular focus on metaverse and mixed reality technologies aimed to support active aging and reduce digital health inequalities among older adults. Thirty-four studies were included in the review, including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs and other methodologies, with interventions delivered in a variety of international contexts. Most programmes targeted both cognitive and motor domains, providing consistent improvements in executive function, physical strength, balance, and psychosocial well-being. However, significant gaps remain, including a lack of longitudinal studies, limited social metaverse research, minimal standardization of digital inclusion measures and rare use of implementation science frameworks. No single technology type has proven superior regarding effectiveness or inclusivity, highlighting the importance of adaptation and user-centred design. Overall, digital interventions can play a critical role in reducing social isolation, promoting autonomy and enhancing wellbeing in aging populations. Future research should emphasize long-term outcomes, co-design with older adults, digital literacy support and deeper exploration of socially connected metaverse and virtual reality interventions.