Apps in wearable tech such as fitbits and smart watches, and phones, are used to collect small pieces of health data such as pulse, heart rate, and regularity as well as information including what appointments (e. g. with doctors, chiropractors, physiotherapists etc) are being made and the health-related products purchased.
Like credit data, these detailed health markers could be used in algorithms, grouping users by behavioural and risk assessment parameters. All of this data could then be gathered into a ‘wellness report.’
Like credit reports, the wellness report would be susceptible to errors that could take days or months to correct and may require experts and medical tests to disprove errors. Credit reporting companies are financially supported by banks, businesses and lenders.
The wellness report would be a resource that insurers, long term care facilities, health care providers could exploit to gauge the risk associated with the provision of service.
This scoping review examines existing knowledge concerning the data currently being collected and explores novel data combinations and the risk to privacy and autonomy that these pose to older adults. Results confirm the privacy challenges of Big Data and suggest remedies that need to be explored before these usages become commonplace.
Objectives:
- Review technology that ‘supports’ healthy aging for people aging in place and in their community
- Discuss data collected and novel applications of that information
- Promote the prevention of unintended and intended violations of older adult’s privacy and autonomy
This webinar is hosted by the Centre for Studies in Aging and Health.
