Designing an Online Rehabilitation Exercise Service for Frailty Prevention among Older Adults

Abstract

Frailty prevention is a critical challenge in aging societies, as frailty represents a reversible state between robustness and the need for long-term care, involving both physical and social dimensions. This study presents the design and evaluation of an online rehabilitation exercise service aimed at preventing frailty among older adults. The service connects participants at home and in a community facility via video conferencing, enabling group exercise sessions and social interaction. A six-month experiment was conducted with 14 older adults, combining structured exercise sessions and informal social gatherings. Data were collected through physical function measurements, questionnaires, interviews, and video recordings. Results showed limited improvement in physical function, likely due to low session frequency and insufficient exercise intensity relative to participants’ baseline fitness. However, some participants reported increased awareness of stretching and greater motivation to engage in physical activity in daily life. In contrast, notable effects were observed in social engagement. Participants actively took on roles such as preparing and organizing the environment, which facilitated interaction and contributed to the prevention of social frailty. At the same time, challenges were identified in fostering interaction between online and in-person participants, as well as in supporting individuals without prior social connections. Video analysis revealed that meaningful insights emerged not only from structured activities but also from informal moments such as breaks and setup. The findings suggest that older adults can engage with digital technologies and contribute to service operation, highlighting the importance of designing sustainable, person-centered services that recognize their capabilities and agency.

Keywords: Frailty, Online Rehabilitation, Older Adults, Service Design, Sustainable Services, Social Connection, Exercise

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1008140