Coadaptation Between Smart Technologies and Older Adults Over Time: Protocol for a Scoping Review.

No prior work has resolved the complex dynamics of long-term interaction between aging populations and modern digital tools. While digital connectivity offers promise for independent living, the specific mechanisms of mutual adjustment remain poorly understood. That uncertainty drove the need for a comprehensive examination of existing evidence. Prior research has shown that digital devices can support daily activities, yet sustained usage patterns often decline after initial implementation. This gap motivated a deeper look into how users and systems evolve together. Most current studies focus on short-term usability rather than longitudinal behavioral shifts. Understanding this evolution is vital for designing systems that remain relevant as individuals age. The current literature lacks a unified synthesis regarding how these relationships mature or stagnate over extended periods.

The aim of this study is to comprehensively review and analyze the existing scientific literature regarding the mutual adjustment between digital systems and older adults. This investigation addresses the lack of research on how these two entities evolve together over time. The researchers seek to maximize the benefits of digital tools for the aging population. They intend to explore the nature of the interaction process to enhance the user experience. The team focuses on how these relationships can be sustained to promote independent living. By examining existing evidence, they hope to identify strategies that improve long-term device adoption. This work addresses the uncertainty surrounding how individuals adapt their usage patterns as they age. The project serves as a necessary step toward developing more effective support systems for older users.

The review approach follows the Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual for rigorous evidence synthesis. The team adheres to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to ensure transparent reporting of the findings. Investigators will search ten major databases to identify relevant peer-reviewed publications. A standardized form will facilitate the extraction of study characteristics and participant demographics. Researchers will apply a directed content analysis to interpret the collected data. This strategy incorporates specific theoretical frameworks to evaluate the interaction dynamics. The protocol includes an assessment of underlying models used in previous investigations. Finally, the team will document all identified limitations to provide a balanced perspective on the current evidence.

The researchers expect to provide a thorough overview of the available evidence by January 2024. Key findings from the literature will focus on the extent and nature of the mutual adjustment process. The study aims to map how individuals and devices influence each other over extended periods. Preliminary expectations suggest that the synthesis will reveal gaps in how long-term adoption is currently measured. The team anticipates identifying various models that describe the evolution of these relationships. They plan to highlight how different frameworks explain the interaction between users and digital systems. The results will categorize the factors that contribute to successful or failed long-term engagement. This synthesis will provide the first comprehensive look at the coevolutionary patterns within this specific demographic.

The authors propose that this synthesis will clarify the mechanisms driving mutual adjustment between users and digital systems. They anticipate that the findings will establish a foundation for future research programs. This work aims to identify how individuals modify their interaction patterns to maintain device utility. The team expects that the results will inform user-centered design principles for future technological development. They suggest that understanding these processes will facilitate aging in place with more effective, tailored support. The review intends to highlight how longitudinal engagement influences overall user satisfaction and long-term device adoption. By mapping these interactions, the study seeks to improve the quality of life for aging populations. Ultimately, the authors plan to provide a clear overview of the current evidence landscape to guide subsequent investigations.