Exploring trends in gerontechnology research: a bibliometric analysis

Gerontechnology, which integrates gerontology and technology, aims to enhance the quality of life and healthcare outcomes for the growing global older adult population. This study seeks to map the intellectual landscape, foundational knowledge, and emerging trends in gerontechnology through bibliometric techniques.

A total of 1,728 scholarly articles published in the field of gerontechnology were extracted from the Web of Science database. Bibliometric methods, specifically co-citation and co-word analyses, were employed to examine the structural development of the field and identify major thematic clusters.

The analysis revealed four distinct clusters that represent key research areas in gerontechnology. These include technology-assisted care systems, cognitive and mental health interventions, user-centered design for aging populations, and ethical or policy-related considerations. The findings provide a framework for understanding the field's core intellectual structure and its evolution over time.

This study offers a comprehensive overview of gerontechnology's research landscape, emphasizing its potential to support older adults' well-being, especially in the context of mental health care. Given the interdisciplinary and rapidly evolving nature of the field, continued exploration is essential to further define its boundaries and maximize its impact on aging societies.