The Role of Digital Technologies in the Ageing Society
David Wortley
Director
IORMA Health and Wellness Technology Centre
November 2025
Back in 2016, which seems a lifetime ago, I was invited to the inaugural launch conference of the International Society of Digital Medicine (ISDM) founded in China. During the conference, I was troubled by the choice of the word “medicine” in the Society name and spent some time trying to persuade the Chinese Founders that the word “health” would be more suitable than “medicine” simply because “medicine” implies taking something to cure a health problem.
In my mind, the use of the word “medicine” restricted to perception and activities of ISDM through a focus on cure rather than prevention and also the notion of how digital technologies could “cure” as well as “diagnose”.
The last decade has seen remarkable developments in the capability of digital technologies not only to diagnose medical problems but also, in combination with gamification strategies, influence lifestyle behaviours and greatly empower personal health management.
Until very recently, digital technologies used for medical interventions that cure or manage clinical conditions, have been somewhat limited in scope in what I would call “Digital Therapeutics”, an area where companies like Milan-based Imaginary have carved a niche as a leader in the use of digital technologies for physical and cognitive rehabilitation.
My eyes were opened at a recent exhibition in London at the Design Centre where a huge array of suppliers and presenters were showcasing digital technologies which are genuinely intended to be medical interventions designed to fix or manage clinical problems.
The image at the head of this article was taken at the launch of a new “digital medicine” technology, primarily aimed and Musculo-Sceletal (MSK) problems. Regen PhD is a “pod” deigned to incorporate a range of technologies, each with clinical evidence of efficacy in a single unit. Although the only clinical problem that I am aware of and that causes me occasional discomfort, is in my right leg knee area. I find it difficult to bend my knee when putting on shoes.
At the launch of the Regen PhD pod, I spent a total of 50 minutes lying inside a pod and found the experience extremely relaxing, almost like I imagine being in a warm cosy womb. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I felt a focus on my right knee, as if it was being treated.
A single treatment is insufficient to understand or evaluate the long term benefits of such therapies, but this device, along with many others entering the health and wellbeing market, illustrates a trend towards digital non-pharmaceutical interventions.
Vagus Nerve Digital Stimulation
The “Pulsetto” Vagus Nerve Stimulator
Another digital technology designed to deliver therapeutic benefits is the Vagus nerve stimulator which is designed to help with general health and wellbeing issues such as stress, burnout and sleep problems. The device is worn around the neck as shown in the image above and, in combination with a mobile application which plays soothing music, creates a vibrating tingling sensation.
I have been testing out one of these devices and find that it does help me to relax and fall asleep but whether that is entirely down to the vagus nerve stimulation of the music is difficult to say at this point. However, there is substantial evidence that the vagus nerve plays a very important role in health and wellbeing.
IORMA supported the panel discussion (see below) which brought together 3 global thought leaders in the use of these types of technologies to tackle the grand challenge of the Ageing Society.
Secrets of Ageing Younger and Healthy Longevity
Online Panel Discussion November 2025
View the video of this online streamed event for a powerful and thought-provoking online panel discussion on “The Secrets of Ageing Younger and Healthy Longevity” — where science meets lifestyle, and optimism meets evidence.
Hosted by David Wortley, Director of HWTC at IORMA, Non-Executive Director of the World Lifestyle Medicine Education Services (WLMES) and VP of ISDM, this session brings together three leading thought leaders in the field of longevity, human optimisation, and regenerative health.
The distinguished panel included:
Neil King — CEO & Founder, The Longevity Network
Recently published new evidence on how improving metabolic health can reverse biological ageing and enhance vitality at any age.
Professor Paul Lee — CEO & Founder, Regen PhD
A pioneer in musculoskeletal health and regenerative medicine, Paul has just launched the Regen PhD Pod, an innovative approach to restoring mobility and reducing pain through science-based interventions.
Ash Kapoor — Human Optimisation & Longevity Specialist, CEO of The Levitas Group
A leading voice in human performance and longevity, Ash is curating the upcoming “Growing Younger” conference at the Royal Society of Medicine (22 November), bringing together global experts to reimagine ageing itself.
Together, this panel explored what it truly means to age younger, sharing practical insights, emerging science, and lifestyle interventions that help people not just live longer, but live better.
IORMA’s David Wortley also reflected on his own decade-long experience using wearables, gamification, and lifestyle medicine to manage health and vitality — demonstrating how the right habits, tools, and mindsets can transform our ageing trajectory.
This was not just another webinar — it was an invitation to rethink ageing as a skill, and discover how to stay strong, sharp, and joyful through every decade of life.
👉 Click the link below and see the video of the conversation on how we can all build a future of healthy longevity.