Work

A study on the relationship between technological affordance of age-appropriate smart wearable devices and the well-being of older adults

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Global population aging is intensifying, posing significant challenges to care for older adults. In this context, age-appropriate smart wearable devices, with their capabilities for efficient physiological monitoring, disease prevention, and safety protection, play an important role in supporting the health and independence of older adults. However, the relationship between the technological affordance of these devices and the well-being of older adults has not been fully explored. In this study, an integrated theoretical model was constructed based on Technological Affordance Theory (TAT), Self-Determination Theory (SDT), Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory, and Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST). Methods Data from 233 older adults using age-appropriate smart wearable devices were collected through a questionnaire, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data. Results The results indicate that the visibility ( β = 0.155–0.238, p < 0.05), interactivity ( β = 0.155–0.304, p < 0.05), and directiveness ( β = 0.292–0.395, p < 0.001) of age-appropriate smart wearable devices are significantly and positively correlated with older adults’ sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Furthermore, these psychological needs are significantly and positively correlated with their overall well-being ( β = 0.184–0.352, p < 0.01). Sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness significantly mediated the relationship between technological affordance and older adults’ well-being (indirect effects = 0.034–0.139, 95% confidence interval [CI] excluding 0). Discussion This study reveals that technological affordance is indirectly positively correlated with the well-being of older adults via their psychological needs, offering practical insights for the design and development of age-appropriate smart wearable devices.

Source: Frontiers in Public Health

DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1672136

Authors: Hao Zhang, Shusheng Yang, Yili Lin

Institutions: Qingdao University of Technology, Beijing University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Technology Use by Older Adults

Subfield: Demography

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801