The Pulse of Progress: How Wearable Tech is Shaping the Future of Public Health

Abstract

This paper focuses on wearable technologies' integration into management of chronic diseases, support for mental health disorders and health insurance policies. Through the examination of peer-reviewed studies, research found that wearables have potential in promoting healthier habits, improving patient outcomes by collecting real-time data for personalized medicine, and offering interventions for mental health conditions. Considerations of innovative “pay-as-you-live” insurance models that incentivize healthy behaviors by collecting health data from wearables are also explored in this paper. Nevertheless, challenges such as data privacy, accuracy, and accessibility remain, specifically among vulnerable communities. It is crucial to address these issues to fully realize wearable technology's potential in reducing chronic disease burdens and revolutionize mental healthcare. Further research is needed to overcome technological, ethical, and socioeconomic barriers, to ensure the successful integration of wearables to enhance public health.