Remote Virtual Interactive Agents for Older Adults: Exploring Its Science via Network Analysis and Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Healthcare Technology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Health Interventions

Background:

• Aging population presents healthcare challenges with chronic illnesses and functional decline.
• Telehealth and virtual interactive agents (VIAs) offer tech-driven solutions for older adults' well-being.
• Gaps exist in understanding remote geriatric healthcare delivery methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• Systematically review literature on remote virtual interventions for older adults.
• Analyze bibliometrics, study aims, outcomes, and research networks.
• Identify key themes in remote geriatric care using virtual agents.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review using selected keywords and Covidence.
• Bibliometric, network, and thematic analysis of studies (2013-2025).
• Five-stage review process: problem identification to presentation.

Main Results:

• Studies predominantly used a positivist approach, were multi-authored, and US-led.
• Remote VIAs showed positive outcomes in most studies (13/15), often in home settings.
• Four key themes emerged: Health/Clinical, Holistic/Cognitive, Home/Caring, Hybrid/Connection.

Conclusions:

• Remote VIAs show promise for supporting older adults' health and well-being.
• Positivist, US-led research emphasizes objectivity and generalizability in this field.
• Findings provide a foundation for future research in remote geriatric care and VIAs.