Harnessing smart technology for lifelong proactive health management

Physical inactivity remains a pressing global health challenge. Historically, health interventions have been predominantly reactive, focusing on disease management rather than prevention. However, there is a paradigm shift towards "Proactive Health," which emphasizes health as a continuous investment and optimization process. This shift is fostered by the integration of smart technologies, such as AI and wearable sensors, and the life-course approach that advocates for dynamic, tailored strategies to meet individual needs from childhood to older age. Smart technologies provide advanced tools for ongoing monitoring and personalized health guidance, addressing the evolving requirements in different life stages. As these domains intersect, there is a need to establish a scientific foundation for technology-driven health promotion to help redefine healthcare's future.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate interdisciplinary research that utilizes smart technology to enhance proactive health management across the human lifespan. The objective is to explore beyond basic activity tracking and address more profound issues, such as the development of novel digital biomarkers for a comprehensive view of individual health. We aim to leverage AI to create adaptive interventions that support sustained behavioral changes and adherence to healthier lifestyles. Additionally, the research seeks to tailor technology effectively to guide individuals through critical life transitions, such as forming foundational habits in youth and ensuring functional independence in older age. The ultimate goal is to establish a robust evidence base for designing effective, equitable, and scalable preventative healthcare solutions, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.

To gather further insights into the integration of smart technologies and life-course strategies in proactive health promotion, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Development and validation of novel digital biomarkers for health and fitness derived from sensor data.

o AI-driven, Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAI) for physical activity and sedentary behavior.

o Technology-based solutions tailored for specific life stages (e.g., gamification for children, stress management for adults, fall prevention for older adults).

o Behavioral science research on the usability, engagement, and long-term adherence to digital health tools.

o Studies addressing health equity, the digital divide, and the ethical considerations of proactive health technologies.

o Research on the integration of personalized health data into clinical workflows and public health policy.