The study is a collaboration between Sussex University, Sheffield-Hallam University, ExtraCare Charitable Trust, and Cush Health Solutions. ExtraCare is a charity providing homes, enjoyable lifestyles in 3,900 homes across the UK (https://www.extracare.org.uk). Cush is a company that offers wearable technology and a tele-health platform recording and monitoring physical activity (https://cushhealth.com/ ).  

We know that limited mobility in old age results in several adverse consequences such as social isolation, accelerated frailty, and dependency. Our study team interviewed 20 older residents (average age 83 years) in two retirements villages, New Oscott in Birmingham and Brunswick in Sheffield. Together, we co-developed and identified a set of mobility principles that acknowledge the residents’ social, physical, and environmental circumstances. We used feedback from study participants on how to improve Cush digital platform by making its mobility program fit for purpose, practical and easy to use, tailored to need, fun, and related to a social dimension.