Mobile Applications for Cognitive and Emotional Health Monitoring in Geriatric Populations: A Review

Abstract

The growing incidence of cognitive and emotional disorders among the geriatric

population necessitates effective monitoring and intervention strategies. Mobile

health applications have emerged as promising tools due to their accessibility,

affordability, and potential to support cognitive decline, depression, and anxiety in

older adults. However, current applications predominantly address cognitive and

emotional domains separately, lacking integrated, holistic approaches tailored to

the unique needs of elderly users. Significant research gaps persist in

personalization, cultural adaptation, and user engagement, with most applications

developed without active participation from older adults. This results in usability

challenges and limited long-term adherence. Moreover, existing studies are largely

confined to high-income countries, limiting the generalizability of findings across

diverse cultural and socioeconomic contexts. This review employs a systematic

secondary research methodology, following the PRISMA model, analyzing over 100

peer-reviewed articles and authoritative sources retrieved from Scopus, Google

Scholar, and specialized healthcare databases. The study identifies critical gaps

and opportunities for advancing mobile health technologies for geriatric cognitive

and emotional well-being.

Results indicate substantial potential for mobile applications to improve geriatric

health outcomes, contingent on addressing current limitations in design inclusivity

and contextual adaptation. Future research should prioritize participatory, user-

centered design approaches that integrate cognitive and emotional health metrics

within culturally adaptable platforms. Large-scale, longitudinal validation studies are

essential to confirm effectiveness and sustainability. Through these enhancements,

mobile health applications can evolve into comprehensive, inclusive tools that foster

cognitive resilience and emotional well-being in aging populations globally.