Advancing dietary behaviour change in older adults through digital technologies: emerging tools and behavioural mechanisms.

Purpose of review: Poor diet drives cardiovascular and other chronic diseases in older adults, yet behaviour change remains challenging due to physical, cognitive, and social barriers. Despite growing digital health solutions, older adults are often overlooked. This review examines recent innovations aimed at supporting dietary change in this population amid rapid technological advances.

Recent findings: Case studies of six novel digital tools were examined: smart TVs, mobile apps, augmented reality (AR), chatbots, assistive robotics, and intelligent voice assistants. These tools employed a wide range of behaviour change techniques such as tailored feedback, habit formation, goal setting, self-monitoring, and social support. Smart TVs and apps improved nutrition literacy through familiar interfaces and gamification. AR tools enhanced portion control and food decision-making. Socially assistive robots provided interactive, social mealtime support, while chatbots and intelligent voice assistants used Artificial Intelligence to deliver personalized, conversational guidance. Despite these advances, challenges remain around usability, trust, and sustained engagement.

Summary: Digital tools offer promising, personalized support for dietary change in older adults. However, most work remains in its early stages. Realizing broader impact will require co-designed, culturally relevant solutions, real-world testing, and strategies for scale-up that ensure accessibility, trust, and sustained engagement.