Wrist-worn technology users say device improves mental health
As well as improving Brits’ physical health, new research from Mintel reveals that 55% of UK wrist-worn technology owners believe their devices have also benefitted their mental wellbeing.
61% of users aged 16-24, say that their mental health has benefitted from the devices, making them the age-group that has noticed the impact the most, while men (57%) are more positive than women (52%) about the affect of wrist-worn devices on their mental health.
An impressive 72% of wearable fitness tracking users say their devices have helped improve their physical health, while 71% say they exercise more often since buying their gadget.
The research, by Mintel, also found that six in ten wrist-worn technology users wear them daily, while a further one in five are using these devices three-to-six days a week and just 7% have stopped using their wrist-worn technology.
“While quantifying improvements in this area is difficult, Brits feel strongly that this technology can help improve their mental health. This perception is likely to be the result of an increased focus on physical health amongst device owners, as improvements here can have a knock-on effect on mental health and overall wellbeing,” said Andrew Moss, technology analyst at Mintel.
“However, these devices also offer more concrete benefits by allowing users to track sleep and stress levels, and by supporting participation in mindfulness and calming exercises.”
The research also predicted that the sales of fitness bands and smart watches is set to reach 4.2 million, with just under one in five Brits now owning a fitness band or sports watch, up from 14% in June 2017.
