Barriers and motivators of geriatric engagement in digital therapeutics: A narrative review

The adoption of digital therapeutics among older adults presents both opportunities and challenges in modern healthcare. While these technologies enhance disease management, autonomy, and quality of life, engagement remains hindered by cognitive, emotional, systemic, and sociocultural barriers. This narrative review synthesizes findings from 76 peer-reviewed studies identified through Scopus and Web of Science (2010-2024) to examine key factors influencing geriatric engagement with digital therapeutics. FINDINGS: indicate that technological illiteracy, privacy concerns, usability challenges, and mistrust in digital platforms significantly limit adoption. Additionally, cultural attitudes, generational skepticism, and infrastructural limitations exacerbate digital disparities. Conversely, personalized health benefits, caregiver and peer support, and intuitive design features serve as key motivators for adoption and sustained engagement. To enhance digital inclusion, this review highlights the need for user-centered design principles, tailored digital literacy programs, and systemic policy interventions, such as broadband expansion and privacy safeguards. Future research should explore longitudinal engagement patterns, culturally adaptive digital interventions, and the integration of behavioral and technological frameworks to optimize geriatric digital health solutions. Addressing these factors will be essential to ensuring equitable, inclusive, and effective digital therapeutics for aging populations worldwide.