The Impact of Digital Health Tools on Chronic Disease Management, Healthy Aging, and Longevity Among Urban Older Adults: A Global Comparative Study

Abstract

This study investigates how digital health tools (DHTs)—including mobile health apps, wearable devices, and telemedicine platforms—influence chronic disease management (CDM), healthy aging, and longevity among urban older adults (≥65 years) with at least one chronic condition (diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease). Using 2021–2024 panel data from 15,000 participants across 10 cities (U.S. [Boston, New York]; Japan [Tokyo, Osaka]; Spain [Barcelona, Madrid]; China [Shanghai, Beijing]; Nigeria [Lagos, Abuja]; Australia [Melbourne, Sydney]) and mixed methods (quantitative regression, qualitative interviews), results show: (1) Regular DHT use improves CDM adherence by 42% (e.g., medication adherence: 89% vs. 62% in non-users) and increases Healthy Aging Scores (HAS) by 0.18 (p<0.001); (2) Telemedicine and wearable devices are the most impactful DHT types (HR=0.76, p<0.001 for longevity); (3) Digital literacy (β=0.35, p<0.001) and socioeconomic status moderate DHT effects—gaps exist in low-income and low-literacy groups (38% of Nigerian participants report DHT access barriers). Policy recommendations include targeted digital literacy training and subsidized DHT access for vulnerable older adults.

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