Health Support through Active Movement and Digital Technologies

Today's era presents numerous challenges in the areas of health and lifestyle. The rising rates of obesity, low levels of physical activity, and increasing healthcare costs are alarming facts that require systematic solutions. One innovative approach is integrating active movement with modern digital technologies, which can motivate people toward a healthier lifestyle.

Alarming Health Statistics in Slovakia

According to OECD data from 2019, up to 57.7% of Slovaks over the age of 15 are overweight or obese. A lack of physical activity has a direct impact on mortality—between 2015 and 2019, the number of deaths attributed to low activity increased by 17.5%.

Moreover, as many as 72% of Slovaks engage in sports activities only rarely or not at all. This trend is particularly concerning among the older generation, where only 0.8% of residents aged 65–74 engage in regular physical activity. Among school-aged children, up to 70% do not meet the recommended daily amount of exercise, negatively affecting their physical and mental development.

Digital Technologies as a Path to an Active Lifestyle

Despite low levels of physical activity, Slovakia is a digitally advanced country. As many as 98% of young people aged 16–24 use the internet and smart technologies daily. This presents a significant opportunity to link digital tools with a healthy lifestyle.

The growing trend of wearable devices suggests a positive shift. Sales of smartwatches have increased by 35% year-over-year. These devices allow users to monitor their physical activity, heart rate, sleep quality, and other health indicators. The support of digital tools in sports (SportsTech) brings new possibilities for increasing physical activity among the population.

SportsTech – The Future of Active Health

SportsTech represents a dynamically growing sector that connects sports, technology, and healthcare. Innovations in this field can significantly impact the quality of life and contribute to improving the overall health of the population.

Key Areas of SportsTech Utilization:

• Health Support: Encouraging young people to be active through gamification and digital applications.

• Education: Modernizing physical education in schools with data analytics and wearable technology.

• Workforce: Promoting an active lifestyle among employees, leading to reduced sick leave and healthcare costs.

• Economy: Creating innovative ecosystems focused on prevention and health promotion.

• Data Economy: Using sensor data to predict the health status of the population.

The Path to Improvement

According to the WHO, children and adolescents should engage in at least 60 minutes of aerobic physical activity daily, including muscle and bone-strengthening exercises at least three times a week. The digitalization of sports and its integration with modern technologies can be an effective tool in achieving this goal.

To achieve long-term improvement in the health status of the population, it is essential to create systems that combine motivation, technology, and support for a healthy lifestyle. SportsTech and digital solutions offer unique opportunities to reverse this unfavorable trend and promote a more active and healthier lifestyle for all generations.