The Impact of Digital Technology on the Physical Health of Older Workers : Scoping Review
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F00216224%3A14230%2F25%3A00142600" target="_blank" >RIV/00216224:14230/25:00142600 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e78406" target="_blank" >https://aging.jmir.org/2025/1/e78406</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2196/78406" target="_blank" >10.2196/78406</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
The Impact of Digital Technology on the Physical Health of Older Workers : Scoping Review
Original language description
Background: Digital technologies are increasingly present in workplaces; however, their impact on the physical health of older workers remains unclear. Objective: This scoping review aims to examine and summarize the scientific evidence on how digital technology affects the physical health of older workers. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines, we conducted a scoping review of English-language peer-reviewed studies extracted from MEDLINE, Cochrane, ProQuest, Web of Science, Scopus, APA PsycInfo, and ERIH PLUS. The review followed the population, concept, and context (PCC) framework, including studies on workers aged 50 years or older, any form of digital technology (eg, teleworking and the use of digital tools at work), and its impact on physical health (eg, vision loss and musculoskeletal disorders). Studies that focused only on mental health were excluded. A 13-member research team screened studies in 3 stages, namely title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data extraction. Each study was independently reviewed by at least 2 researchers, and disagreements were resolved through discussion. Data extraction and synthesis were conducted using the web-based systematic review platform Covidence (Veritas Health Innovation Ltd). Results: In total, 18 studies were selected, published between 2012 and 2024, with most conducted in Europe (n=8) and Asia (n=6), followed by North America (n=2), Oceania (n=1), and Africa (n=1). We identified 6 key physical health areas impacted by digital technology in older workers, including eye health, musculoskeletal health, metabolic and cardiovascular health, workplace sound levels, and user experiences of new technologies. Findings showed mixed effects, with notable negative impacts on eye strain, musculoskeletal disorders, and hearing health issues, but positive effects on weight management, cardiovascular health, physical activity, and perceived physical well-being. Conclusions: Digital technology presents both risks and benefits for the physical health of older workers. While prolonged screen use and digital work environments contribute to eye strain, musculoskeletal issues, and hearing concerns, other technologies support better weight management, cardiovascular health, and increased physical activity. These findings also underscore the need for workplace intervention to reduce health risks.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
50100 - Psychology and cognitive sciences
Result continuities
Project
<a href="/en/project/EH22_008%2F0004583" target="_blank" >EH22_008/0004583: Research of Excellence on Digital Technologies and Wellbeing</a><br>
Continuities
P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
JMIR Aging
ISSN
2561-7605
e-ISSN
2561-7605
Volume of the periodical
8
Issue of the periodical within the volume
November
Country of publishing house
CA - CANADA
Number of pages
14
Pages from-to
1-14
UT code for WoS article
001626864400001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105026799911