How Wearable Technologies Generate Value in Older Adult Care: An Axiomatic Model

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Informatics
• Technology Ethics

Background:

• Wearable technologies are expanding in older adult care.
• A clear framework for their value generation is currently absent.
• Ethical considerations are paramount in this domain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a clear, ethically grounded framework for understanding value generation by wearable technologies in older adult care.
• To provide a model relevant to nursing practice and technology design.

Main Methods:

• A formal, axiomatic conceptualization approach was employed.
• A theory-building model was constructed by defining system components and foundational assumptions.
• Implications for care and design were logically derived.

Main Results:

• A framework with 10 core system entities and nine governing axioms was developed.
• Nine axioms define conditions for meaningful, actionable, and ethical wearable data in older adult care.
• Six theorems show how monitoring supports early detection, safety, adherence, and care integration, leading to seven design principles.

Conclusions:

• The model offers a shared language for researchers, designers, and nurses.
• It facilitates the evaluation and design of wearable technologies for older adults.
• The framework aims to enhance safety, autonomy, and well-being while preserving dignity, trust, and relational care.