Report: 8 in 10 Plan on Using Apps in 2023 to Improve Health & Well-being
New research reveals interesting data behind who plans to use apps for their health this year – and who doesn’t
As you read this, are you reading it from your mobile device? If you glance at your wrist, are you sporting a wearable device?
Technology and mobile apps have permeated all aspects of our lives, whether for work, education, or entertainment. Tech has undoubtedly significantly impacted how we approach health and well-being, but who plans to use mobile apps for health and fitness purposes this year (and who doesn’t) may surprise you.
One thing is certain: many consumers are connecting apps to their health and wellness goals. And why not? It’s a device that most view as an appendage, accompanying consumers wherever they go – whether it’s to the supermarket or the gym.
New research from Airship, a mobile app experience company, has revealed that 8 in 10 people plan to use apps this year to boost their health and well-being.
The survey, conducted by Sapio Research on behalf of Airship, took place in January 2023 and included insight with a global approach, reaching 4,000 consumers in the U.S., U.K., and France. Participants were 18 and over.
Here are some key highlights from the survey:
Using a mobile app to connect with friends & family is nearly as important as working out
Wearable tech was named the number one fitness trend for this year, according to ACSM, and 81% of consumers plan to use apps or wearable technology to improve their health and well-being this year.
The top three ways they’ll do that, the study finds, is through:
- Connecting with friends and family: 27%
- Working out 26%
- Improving sleep – 17%
Another finding is that Americans intend to use apps for nutrition and diet rather than improving sleep, whereas participants in the United Kingdom and France are more concerned with improving sleep first and diet second.
Baby Boomers are lagging in terms of app use, but they still make up a sizable portion
Airship found that younger generations are more open to using apps for health and wellness, with Gen Z showing the highest interest at 94%. That should come as little surprise, as should millennials coming in at 90% and Gen X hitting 82%.
While only 65% of baby boomers intend to use health and wellness apps, they still account for a sizable portion of the population.
And there is still opportunity for seniors, considering SilverSneakers, an exercise program that caters to more mature fitness enthusiasts, will come equipped with Apple Fitness+ offerings this year – free of charge.
Americans have warmed up to using apps for healthcare appointments
Apps are increasingly being used in healthcare, Airship found. Here is a breakdown of who plans to use apps for virtual doctor visits this year:
Americans – 15%
France – 10%
U.K. – 7%
Those in the U.S. are more likely to use mobile apps for telehealth, a stat that Airships says could reflect the strained healthcare system.
Americans also embraced virtual telehealth visits during the pandemic. What may have seemed as an impersonal and strange concept was welcomed by many who wanted to check in with their physician but perhaps didn’t want to go into the office during the pandemic.
Also, given the number of telehealth companies that have emerged in the mental health space, consumers are likely to continue to use an app for health appointments.
Biometrics: The wave of the future…but will it catch on with seniors?
With biometric tracking becoming increasingly accessible for the average consumer, Airship reports that only 10% of Americans plan to use apps for biometrics and heart monitoring.
Only 7% of boomers plan to use apps for such tracking. But, as Airship points out, since February is American Heart Month, the findings show the opportunity for increased education among older adults that statistically face a higher risk of heart disease.
On the other end of the spectrum, 13% of health-conscious millennials report they will use apps for biometrics in 2023.
Consider Levels, the first biosensor system to provide feedback on nutrition & lifestyle. The company recently announced a $38 million Series A funding round and has a $300 million valuation. Levels, a software company, is working towards solving what it calls a metabolic health crisis.
With many people looking to connect their apps to their health this year, we may see a change in an alarming statistic: less than 7% of adults in the U.S. have good cardiometabolic health.
Thomas Butta, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer of Airship, remarked that life improves with better mobile app experiences, and for most people, it can apply to their health and well-being.
“Brands that earn a place in customers’ regular regimes can build enduring loyalty based on mutual respect and value,” he added.
Featured Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
