Perspectives of Older Adults on Assistive Technology: Qualitative Study

The aging population presents challenges for health care systems. Assistive technologies (ATs), such as telemonitoring, fall detection, and self-monitoring devices, offer potential solutions to support older adults and their care. However, successful implementation relies on their acceptance, which remains poorly understood, particularly among nonusers.

This study aimed to explore older adults' perceptions of ATs, including perceived benefits, adoption barriers, and factors influencing willingness to use these technologies.

A qualitative study was conducted with 31 participants (aged ≥65 years) with varying levels of health and care needs. Data were collected through 6 focus groups and 6 in-depth interviews and then analyzed thematically using NVivo software.

A total of 7 themes emerged: (1) limited familiarity, with greater recognition of fall detection and self-monitoring devices compared to telemonitoring; (2) perceived benefits, including safety, independence, and chronic disease management; (3) key concerns, including usability, cost, reliability, privacy, and psychological impacts; (4) suggested improvements, including user-friendly designs and training programs; (5) contextual influences identified with independent older adults perceiving greater utility; (6) strategies for ATs' promotion proposed, such as media campaigns, government subsidies, and health care endorsements; and (7) overall willingness to adopt ATs, driven by perceived need, social and health care influence, and ease of use.

Although ATs offer clear benefits, adoption remains limited due to usability, cost, and psychological concerns. Improving accessibility, training, and integration into traditional health care service delivery may facilitate acceptance and use. Future research should focus on inclusive designs and policy interventions to maximize ATs' potential in aging populations.