Keep moving – this is how health can be maintained well into old age. But can the 55+ generation be supported and motivated by smart technology? Austrian research institutions and companies investigated this with the specially developed, technology-supported system “Fit with ILSE”.

“Fit with ILSE” is an innovative, technology-based and sport-science-based exercise program for at home and on the go. With a combination of personal support and new technologies, the 55+ generation can maintain or improve their fitness. The system was specially developed for people who do not want to go to a fitness center, but want to practice independently at home and still value professional support. With the help of technology, users could check for themselves whether they were performing the movements correctly.

From Lab to Field: Results from the Field Tests

Fit with ILSE was tested in two test phases in 2019 and 2020 over a period of six months each. The test subjects were trained in the technologies and provided with suggestions for outdoors and varied exercises for indoors over several weeks. In addition, eLearning courses on exercise-related topics and a fitness tracker were available.

Participants who have used ILSE at home for at least 14 weeks have become fitter. The subjective sitting times were reduced, the participants experienced themselves more self-effective in the sense of a more effective overcoming of barriers that previously stood in the way of their physical activity. In addition, the participants are now more positive about fitness gadgets.

The field test was funded by the federal government as part of the benefit program.