JMIR Aging

As smart older adult care shifts from basic information support to more continuous algorithm-driven care, concerns have grown about whether such systems support older adults’ independence or weaken their sense of autonomy. Although previous research has focused mainly on technology acceptance, less is known about how algorithmic care shapes perceived autonomy and through which psychological pathways this occurs.

As people age over the coming decades, demand for in-home support and other interventions, such as home modifications, to help older adults age in place successfully, is also expected to rise. Smart home technologies have the potential to enhance aging in place by complementing traditional home modifications; however, adoption within federally funded home modification programs remains limited.

The World Health Organization framework for healthy aging emphasizes that the capacity to establish and sustain relationships is a vital component of functional ability. Social robots offer valuable support for this relational aspect, although their effectiveness is contingent upon the quality of the interactions. While it is established that facial expressions and inclusive behaviors can influence rapport building, the combined effects of these elements on older adults remain unexamined.

Smart home technologies are often promoted as a means to support independent living and alleviate pressure on health and care systems. However, adoption among older adults remains low, and little is known about how passive, ambient technologies are experienced over time.

Stroke is a leading cause of global disability in the aging population, with cognitive impairments playing a significant role. Prior research has shown that subjective cognitive concerns (SCCs) can predict later dementia and serve as an essential indicator for poststroke functional rehabilitation. The use of smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) in real-world environments may help us understand how SCCs relate to daily functioning in individuals aging with stroke, thereby guiding cognitive rehabilitation and prevention efforts.

Against the backdrop of global population aging, the development of low-burden and widely acceptable interventions to support emotional health in older adults has become a critical research priority. Virtual reality (VR) has been increasingly applied in medical rehabilitation and psychological interventions due to its immersive and interactive features. However, its potential as a form of digital therapy that integrates cultural content and artistic design remains underexplored, particularly with respect to the mechanisms through which such experiences facilitate emotional regulation in older populations. Empirical studies combining subjective emotional outcomes with objective physiological indicators are especially scarce.

Medication adherence technologies (MATs) offer innovative solutions to support older adults in managing complex medication regimens, yet usability challenges can prevent their successful use. Older adults often face cognitive, physical, sensory, motivational, and environmental barriers, which can influence how they interact with these devices. Therefore, performance-based usability testing is essential for identifying usability issues.

Age-related decline in mobility and balance substantially increases the risk of falls in older adults. Evidence-based exercise programs are recommended, but their effectiveness requires further evaluation.

Nutritional status is an influential factor for functional status and rehabilitation outcomes in patients undergoing geriatric rehabilitation. Although there is evidence for the potential of eHealth interventions in patients undergoing geriatric rehabilitation in general, the evidence for eHealth interventions with a focus on nutrition is scarce. In other target groups with older people, eHealth applications to support nutrition, such as computer-based food records, have been used successfully.

Older adults in affordable housing face heightened risks of social isolation and loneliness due to limited social networks, transportation barriers, chronic conditions, and inadequate technology access. Smart speakers offer potential for enhancing social connectedness in this underserved population, yet technology interventions are rarely designed with meaningful input from older adults themselves. User-centered design (UCD) approaches can address this gap by engaging end users throughout the development process to ensure technology solutions align with their needs and living contexts.

Age-related cognitive decline can threaten independence in older adults, creating an urgent need for effective and practical preventive strategies. Nonpharmacological approaches such as physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and combined programs show promise, but their comparative effectiveness and the specific cognitive domains they influence are not yet clearly established.

Wearables such as smartwatches can support point-of-care health management for older adults while reducing pressure on health care systems as aging populations grow. Although many studies emphasize technical accuracy, user-centered research on smartwatch adoption among older adults remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, such as Bangladesh.