Design thinking as health intervention strategy for active aging from 2014 to 2024: A systematic review

BackgroundThe global population is aging rapidly, creating an urgent need to motivate older adults to engage with health interventions despite challenges such as low health literacy, physical and cognitive limitations, perceived stigma, limited resources, and low engagement with new technologies. Design Thinking (DT), a user-centered innovation approach, has been increasingly applied in public health to enhance intervention design and implementation. Systematic reviews on the application of DT in active aging interventions remain scarce.ObjectiveThis systematic review explores the academic landscape of DT in health interventions for active aging. It outlines research trends, identifies key research hotspots, and constructs a practice-oriented visual knowledge graph.MethodsA PICO-based search strategy was used, and the PRISMA process was applied to collect studies from the web of science Core Collection between 2014 and 2024. CiteSpace was employed for bibliometric analysis. Of the 850 papers initially retrieved, 60 met the final inclusion criteria.ResultsMost studies were conducted in Europe and the USA, focusing on physical activity, digital health, and assistive technology. Emerging frontiers include barriers to technology adoption, cognitive training, human-computer interaction, and digital technologies. The USA and China lead in publication frequency and influence. Based on bibliometric results, DT tools and methods were organized into the Active Aging Health Intervention Design Thinking Knowledge Graph (AAHIDTKG).ConclusionsThis review highlights the growth of DT strategies and identifying current research trends. Findings show how DT can address complex health issues in aging populations, promoting tailored interventions. The AAHIDTKG identifies research gaps, facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration, and aids in designing effective interventions, enhancing older adults' health and quality of life.