Updates to iPhone Health app features make health tracking easier.
New features on the iPhone Health app in the iOS15 update aim to make monitoring health easier. Not only for individuals but family members as well. However, there are a few things to consider before purchasing a device for an older family member. With these new features, Apple really does want you to be healthier.
Imagine going for a routine check-up. Your provider reviews daily blood pressure, or blood sugar readings uploaded instantly from your phone. No white coat jitters, or having to carry a notebook of your daily readings.
What if you also had access to family members’ data? You could monitor the blood glucose levels of your son with diabetes, or the walking steadiness of your elderly mother. All from your phone.
A health tracker that fits in your pocket
In the iOS15 update for the iPhone, Apple made some improvements to its health app. Through these changes, Apple is making it easier for us to track our health and share health information with others.
Of particular note are some features that may make Apple devices more appealing to older adults.
Not only can the Health app work on its own to monitor activity and health metrics. The app can also integrate with fitness trackers (such as a smartwatch), or a medical device. The updates also include features that make the smartphone appealing for both older adults and their caregivers.
While these features can seem promising, some questions remain regarding the validity and usability of some features. Additionally, before taking the plunge and purchasing these products for either yourself or a loved one there are a few matters to keep in mind.
The Health app integrates with different devices
Over the past several years, numerous consumer reports have come out extolling the benefits of smartwatches for older adults. Features such as activity trackers, heart rate monitors, pulse oximeters (a device that measures the level of oxygen in the blood), and an ECG (electrocardiogram) can help one to monitor their health. Other features such as voice commands (think Siri) can help contact a caregiver, or emergency services after a fall.
While the Apple watch does have features such as heart rate monitoring, pulse oximetry, and ECG, it is not an FDA-approved medical device. The Health app does integrate with FDA-approved medical devices. Some examples include QardioArm, and Withings BPM connect which both measure blood pressure and heart rate. iHealth Labs has several devices such as a pulse oximeter, blood pressure cuff, and glucometer which also have FDA approval.
There are many apps available to help track fitness and wellbeing. The iPhone’s Health App contains many of the same features as other apps, and comes already installed on the phone.
This app can integrate with several different types of activity trackers including its own Apple Watch. Other compatible devices include FitBit, Garmin, Polar, MisFit, and Withings. However, getting the devices to sync can include workarounds depending on the type of device.
Tracking steps and walking steadiness
The iPhone can also measure steps on its own, and while past studies question the reliability of this data suggesting that the iPhone undercounts steps, future generations of the iPhone software may address this issue.
New to the Health app in iOS15 is a feature that measures walking steadiness. When creating this feature, Apple utilized the phone’s sensors and measured walking speed in adults under a variety of conditions. If the phone’s sensors detect a significant change in walking speed or an asymmetry in step length the phone will alert both the user and anyone else designated by the user to receive health alerts. The alert will state that the individual is predicted to have a fall within a year.
While the Health app can integrate with medical devices, and other health applications, one can also enter raw data. For example, one can data such as enter blood glucose levels, or blood pressure obtained with non-compatible devices. All of the data submitted to the Health App is encrypted to ensure the privacy of health information.
Sharing of health data
With certain permissions, data from the Health app can be shared with a provider, family member, or caregiver. This means that if the app finds that a user is predicted to have a fall due to an unsteady gait, the alert can be shared with another designated user.
Apple boasts that information entered into the Health App can be shared instantly with a healthcare provider. Though this is true, only a handful of providers have this capability.
But first, determine if these devices are right for you and your family
All of these benefits of using a smartwatch and smartphone are enticing. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before taking the plunge and purchasing these devices for either yourself or a loved one. Past studies looked at variables that may help to determine compliance with the use of a smartphone or smartwatch.
Some of these studies pointed out demographic data as possible characteristics of those who may be more inclined to use a wearable health care device. One systematic review identified some potential motivators and barriers to the use of wearable devices in older adults.
The research group based in Ireland analyzed 20 studies. The review looked at the use of different types of wearable devices in participants ranging from 51-94 years old. The researchers cited several characteristics that may determine whether or not an older adult may be willing to use a wearable device regularly. Some characteristics included a willingness to engage with the device, functional ability of the user, motivation, device features, and how easily the device integrated into the user’s daily life.
The ideal user
For the right user, these iPhone Health app features can make health tracking easier. An older adult who already uses a smartphone, or smartwatch may be more agreeable to using the device to monitor health. When purchasing a smartphone, or watch one may also want to consider factors such as the user’s eyesight and dexterity. For example, a user with poor eyesight may have trouble seeing the display of an Apple watch. Additionally, someone with poor dexterity or decreased sensation in their fingers may have difficulty operating certain iPhone features.
One study also pointed out that users were less likely to use a device that made them feel like a burden to others. The ability to track the activity and steadiness of gait in an older adult may seem like a good idea. However, one may not be agreeable to the use of a smart device if they think it will cause others to worry.
A healthier future may be in the works
With both new, and updated features, the iPhone’s Health app aims to be a go-to for those looking to track their health and the health of others. While the iPhone paired with either Apple’s wearable technology, or a compatible medical device can conveniently put important health metrics all in one place, some questions remain. Thus far, Apple seems serious regarding its work in the health space and these issues may be sorted out in future generations of its software.
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