Healthy Aging in Place with the Aid of Smart Technologies: A Systematic Review
Open accessAbstract
This study evaluates the current scope of smart technology applications that support aging in place and identifies potential avenues for future research. The global demographic shift towards an aging population has intensified interest in technologies that enable older adults to maintain independence and quality of life within their homes. We conducted a systematic review of the scientific literature from Web of Science, PubMed, and ProQuest, identifying 44 smart technologies across 32 publications. These technologies were classified into three categories: nonmobile technologies for individual monitoring, nonmobile technologies for home environment monitoring, and wearable technologies for health and activity tracking. Notably, the research in this area has grown significantly since 2018; yet, notable gaps persist, particularly within the traditional disciplines related to aging and in the use of quantitative methodologies. This emerging field presents substantial opportunities for interdisciplinary research and methodological advancement, highlighting the need for well-developed research strategies to support the effective integration of smart technology in aging in place.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Many studies on technologies for older adults, aside from smart speakers, have been conducted in participants' homes to empower aging in place.
“For instance, many studies on technologies for older adults [49,50], aside from smart speakers, have been conducted in participants’ homes to empower aging in place, a principle highlighted in this finding.”
From Smart Speakers for Health and Well-Being of Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Review (2025) · cites this paper as [49]
Cites
Shamseer, L., Moher, D., Clarke, M., Ghersi, D., Liberati, A., Petticrew, M., Shekelle, P., Stewart, L. A., & the PRISMA-P Group (2015) · BMJ · doi:10.1136/bmj.g7647 · Cited by 13,120 · see citing works
Santini, Z. I., Jose, P. E., York Cornwell, E., Koyanagi, A., Nielsen, L., Hinrichsen, C., Meilstrup, C., Madsen, K. R., & Koushede, V. (2020) · The Lancet Public Health · doi:10.1016/s2468-2667(19)30230-0 · Cited by 1,755 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Older adults maneuvering smart devices consider themselves the new generation of older adults, who can afford the devices (economic status) and understand innovative technology (social and cultural status).”
Social isolation, depression, and psychological distress among older adults
Taylor, H. O., Taylor, R. J., Nguyen, A. W., & Chatters, L. (2018) · Journal of Aging and Health · doi:10.1177/0898264316673511 · Cited by 504 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Older adults maneuvering smart devices consider themselves the new generation of older adults, who can afford the devices (economic status) and understand innovative technology (social and cultural status).”
Older adults reporting social isolation or loneliness show poorer cognitive function 4 years later
Cacioppo, J. T., & Cacioppo, S. (2013) · Evidence-Based Nursing · doi:10.1136/eb-2013-101379 · Cited by 263 · see citing works
Houston, D., Wu, J. Y., Ong, P., & Winer, A. (2004) · Journal of Urban Affairs · doi:10.1111/j.0735-2166.2004.00215.x · Cited by 235 · see citing works
Roy, N., Couture-Dubé, R., Després, C., Freitas, A., & Légaré, F. (2018) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0189266 · Cited by 227 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Previous research shows that older populations prefer to remain independent at home and aging in place tends to improve older adults’ quality of life, including their physical and mental health [3,4].”
Findings from a participatory evaluation of a smart home application for older adults
Demiris, G., Oliver, D. P., Dickey, G., Skubic, M., & Rantz, M. (2008) · Technology and Health Care · doi:10.3233/thc-2008-16205 · Cited by 169 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Some studies show that older adults use a limited range of functions for smart home devices—such as checking the weather, listening to music, and the automated control of lighting—which could be related to their lack of understanding of the functions [22].”
Boldy, D., Grenade, L., Lewin, G., Karol, E., & Burton, E. (2011) · Australasian Journal on Ageing · doi:10.1111/j.1741-6612.2010.00469.x · Cited by 166 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Previous research shows that older populations prefer to remain independent at home and aging in place tends to improve older adults’ quality of life, including their physical and mental health [3,4].”
Smart technologies to enhance social connectedness in older people who live at home
Morris, M. E., Adair, B., Ozanne, E., Kurowski, W., Miller, K. J., Pearce, A. J., Santamaria, N., Long, M., Ventura, C., & Said, C. M. (2014) · Australasian Journal on Ageing · doi:10.1111/ajag.12154 · Cited by 153 · see citing works
Freeman, S., Marston, H. R., Olynick, J., Musselwhite, C., Kulczycki, C., Genoe, M. R., & Xiong, B. (2020) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph17165711 · Cited by 134 · cited 7× · see citing works
“Older adults maneuvering smart devices consider themselves the new generation of older adults, who can afford the devices (economic status) and understand innovative technology (social and cultural status).”
InfluentialSixsmith, A. J., & GUTMAN, G. M. (2013) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-8348-0 · Cited by 115 · see citing works
A Novel and Intelligent Home Monitoring System for Care Support of Elders with Cognitive Impairment
Lazarou, I., Καρακώστας, Α., Stavropoulos, T. G., Tsompanidis, T., Μεδίτσκος, Γ., Kompatsiaris, I. Y., & Tsolaki, M. (2016) · Journal of Alzheimer s Disease · doi:10.3233/jad-160348 · Cited by 114 · cited 3× · see citing works
“Both options can present a considerable burden to the older adults who live on a limited fixed income.”
A multi-perspective evaluation of a service robot for seniors: the voice of different stakeholders
Bedaf, S., Marti, P., Amirabdollahian, F., & de Witte, L. (2017) · Disability and Rehabilitation Assistive Technology · doi:10.1080/17483107.2017.1358300 · Cited by 104 · see citing works
HABITAT: An IoT Solution for Independent Elderly
Borelli, E., Paolini, G., Antoniazzi, F., Barbiroli, M., Benassi, F., Chesani, F., Chiari, L., Fantini, M., Fuschini, F., Galassi, A., et al. (2019) · Italian National Conference on Sensors · doi:10.3390/s19051258 · Cited by 96 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Research shows that older adult participants were able to adopt new technology in three steps.”
Innovations in health care services: The CAALYX system
Rocha, A., Martins, Â., Freire, J. C., Boulos, M. N. K., Vicente, M. E., Feld, R., van de Ven, P. W. J., Nelson, J., Bourke, A. K., OLaighin, G. M., et al. (2011) · International Journal of Medical Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2011.03.003 · Cited by 90 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Both options can present a considerable burden to the older adults who live on a limited fixed income.”
Profiles and Predictors of Smart Home Technology Adoption by Older Adults
Arthanat, S., Wilcox, J., & Macuch, M. (2018) · OTJR Occupational Therapy Journal of Research · doi:10.1177/1539449218813906 · Cited by 74 · cited 4× · see citing works
“Altogether, if an appropriate educational program is provided to appease technology anxiety and teach the multiple functionalities of the devices, it will build the confidence of older adults in accepting and using smart technology.”
InfluentialChoi, Y. K., Thompson, H. J., & Demiris, G. (2020) · JMIR Aging · doi:10.2196/21964 · Cited by 74 · cited 3× · see citing works
“Altogether, if an appropriate educational program is provided to appease technology anxiety and teach the multiple functionalities of the devices, it will build the confidence of older adults in accepting and using smart technology.”
Barakat, A., Woolrych, R., Sixsmith, A. J., Kearns, W. D., & Kort, H. S. M. (2013) · Medicine 2 0 · doi:10.2196/med20.2711 · Cited by 73 · cited 3× · see citing works
“Consequently, these functions allow older adults, even those living alone, to manage everyday life at home and monitor their health without the help of personal care attendants.”
Smart home technology to support older people's quality of life: A longitudinal pilot study
Aggar, C., Sorwar, G., Seton, C., Penman, O., & Ward, A. (2022) · International Journal of Older People Nursing · doi:10.1111/opn.12489 · Cited by 68 · cited 1× · see citing works
“This is particularly important for family caregivers who often balance their caregiving responsibilities with their careers.”
Tural, E., Lu, D., & Cole, D. A. (2021) · Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine · doi:10.1177/23337214211017340 · Cited by 65 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The reliability of smart devices can become a major obstacle to older adults adopting these technologies.”
Virtual Home Assistant Use and Perceptions of Usefulness by Older Adults and Support Person Dyads
Corbett, C. F., Combs, E. M., Wright, P. J., Owens, O. L., Stringfellow, I., Nguyen, T., & Son, C. R. V. (2021) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph18031113 · Cited by 58 · see citing works
Hands-On Experiences in Deploying Cost-Effective Ambient-Assisted Living Systems
Dasios, A., Gavalas, D., Pantziou, G. E., & Konstantopoulos, C. G. (2015) · Sensors · doi:10.3390/s150614487 · Cited by 58 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The reliability of smart devices can become a major obstacle to older adults adopting these technologies.”
Arthanat, S. (2019) · Journal of Applied Gerontology · doi:10.1177/0733464819891045 · Cited by 56 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The authors point out that the multiple sensors and microcontrollers and the required software for a home care monitoring system were expensive [13].”
Street, J., Barrie, H., Eliott, J., Carolan, L., McCorry, F., Cebulla, A., Phillipson, L., Prokopovich, K., Hanson‐Easey, S., & Burgess, T. A. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19137817 · Cited by 56 · see citing works
Early anomaly detection in smart home: A causal association rule-based approach
Sfar, H., Bouzeghoub, A., & Raddaoui, B. (2018) · Artificial Intelligence in Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.artmed.2018.06.001 · Cited by 55 · cited 1× · see citing works
“The reliability of smart devices can become a major obstacle to older adults adopting these technologies.”
Woods, O., & Kong, L. (2018) · Social & Cultural Geography · doi:10.1080/14649365.2018.1550584 · Cited by 53 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Research shows that older adult participants were able to adopt new technology in three steps.”
Offermann, J., Schomakers, E.-M., & Ziefle, M. (2019) · International Journal of Medical Informatics · doi:10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.04.025 · Cited by 46 · see citing works
Wong, J. K. W., Leung, J. K. L., Skitmore, M., & Buys, L. R. (2016) · Automation in Construction · doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2016.10.007 · Cited by 43 · cited 3× · see citing works
“In the same manner, social network platforms, i.e., communication technologies based on the internet, can function as a “digital gathering place” among older adults [18].”
Choi, Y. K., Thompson, H. J., & Demiris, G. (2021) · Journal of Gerontological Nursing · doi:10.3928/00989134-20210310-03 · Cited by 42 · see citing works
Chung, J., Bleich, M., Wheeler, D. C., Winship, J. M., McDowell, B., Baker, D., & Parsons, P. (2021) · Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine · doi:10.1177/23337214211005869 · Cited by 35 · cited 3× · see citing works
“Most older adults surveyed in the studies had smart technology devices, especially smart phones, because their adult child or grandchild had recommended them to have one for routine check-ins [18].”
The SHAPES Smart Mirror Approach for Independent Living, Healthy and Active Ageing
Dorado, J., Ruiz, J. F.-B., Santofimia, M. J., Peño, C. B., Unzueta, L., Perea, M. G., García, X., Villanueva, F. J., Grigoleit, S., & López, J. C. (2021) · Sensors · doi:10.3390/s21237938 · Cited by 30 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Third, after fulfilling their curiosity, they could adjust their daily behaviors to fully apply the new device to their daily life.”
Bock, C., Demiris, G., Choi, Y. K., Le, T., Thompson, H. J., Samuel, A., & Huang, D. Y. (2016) · Technology and Health Care · doi:10.3233/thc-161150 · Cited by 30 · cited 1× · see citing works
“A few older adults in the studies hesitated to own smart devices for economic reasons, due to electricity consumption or subscription fees [42].”
Yu, J., An, N., Hassan, M. T., & Kong, Q. (2019) · HERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal · doi:10.1177/1937586719826059 · Cited by 29 · cited 1× · see citing works
“These findings suggest that smart technologies can play a critical role in supporting older adults to age in place safely and independently.”
Assistive technologies at home for people with a memory disorder
Nauha, L., Keränen, N., Kangas, M., Jämsä, T. J., & Reponen, J. (2016) · Dementia · doi:10.1177/1471301216674816 · Cited by 29 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Consistently, older adults who had these technologies were in regular contact with someone and went out to meet social contacts more often, which was helpful for their mental wellbeing [11,25].”
Supportive home health care technology for older adults: Attitudes and implementation
Charness, N., Best, R., & Evans, J. (2016) · Gerontechnology · doi:10.4017/gt.2016.15.4.006.00 · Cited by 27 · cited 1× · see citing works
“In the same manner, social network platforms, i.e., communication technologies based on the internet, can function as a “digital gathering place” among older adults [18].”
Cao, Y., Erdt, M., Robert, C., Naharudin, N. B., Lee, S. Q., & Theng, Y. L. (2022) · JMIR Aging · doi:10.2196/34239 · Cited by 26 · cited 2× · see citing works
“Research shows that older adult participants were able to adopt new technology in three steps.”
Jachan, D. E., Müller‐Werdan, U., Lahmann, N., & Strube‐Lahmann, S. (2021) · BMC Geriatrics · doi:10.1186/s12877-021-02118-9 · Cited by 19 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Older adults maneuvering smart devices consider themselves the new generation of older adults, who can afford the devices (economic status) and understand innovative technology (social and cultural status).”
Nonparametric Activity Recognition System in Smart Homes Based on Heterogeneous Sensor Data
Wu, C.-L., Chen, Y.-H., Chien, Y.-W., Tsai, M.-J., Li, T.-Y., Cheng, P.-H., Fu, L., & Chen, C. (2018) · IEEE Transactions on Automation Science and Engineering · doi:10.1109/tase.2018.2846795 · Cited by 13 · cited 1× · see citing works
“Most older adults surveyed in the studies had smart technology devices, especially smart phones, because their adult child or grandchild had recommended them to have one for routine check-ins [18].”
Flagged first, then by citations
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Ghorbani, S., Ghorbany, S., & Noorzai, E. (2025) · Cleaner Waste Systems · doi:10.1016/j.clwas.2025.100299 · Cited by 19 · see citing works
Self-citationAutomating embodied and operational carbon assessment in urban sustainable development
Ghorbany, S., Hu, M., Yao, S., Sisk, M. L., & Wang, C. (2025) · Automation in Construction · doi:10.1016/j.autcon.2025.106245 · Cited by 16 · see citing works
Self-citationData driven assessment of built environment impacts on urban health across United States cities
Ghorbany, S., Hu, M., Yao, S., Sisk, M. L., Wang, C., Zhang, K., & Nguyen, Q. C. (2025) · Scientific Reports · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-04567-3 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
Self-citationAssistive Living in IoT-Based Smart Home Systems for Aging in Place: A Review
Shah, S. M., Aljawarneh, M., & Akbar, S. (2025) · VFAST Transactions on Software Engineering · doi:10.21015/vtse.v13i2.2102 · Cited by 4 · see citing works
Mimoso, I., Brites-Pereira, M., Alcântara, L., Morgado, M. I., Morgado, G., Saavedra, I., Muñoz, F. J. M., Louceiro, J., & Costa, E. M. (2025) · Sensors · doi:10.3390/s25226900 · Cited by 9 · see citing works
“Smart furniture can play a crucial role in helping older people maintain their independence, improve their quality of life and encourage active and healthy ageing by addressing some of the challenges that accompany this demographic shift [7].”
Smart Speakers for Health and Well-Being of Older Adults: A Mixed-Methods Review
Dino, M. J., Leinbach, C., Dino, G., Thiamwong, L., Villafuerte, C. M., Shattell, M., Pimentel, J., Zamora, M. A., Bautista, A., Vitug, J. P., et al. (2025) · Healthcare · doi:10.3390/healthcare13212772 · Cited by 5 · see citing works
“For instance, many studies on technologies for older adults [49,50], aside from smart speakers, have been conducted in participants’ homes to empower aging in place, a principle highlighted in this finding.”
Hu, M., & Ghorbany, S. (2025) · Communications Earth & Environment · doi:10.1038/s43247-025-02788-y · Cited by 2 · see citing works
Self-citationScott, M. S., Jere, N. R., Sibanda, K., & Mienye, I. D. (2025) · Information · doi:10.3390/info16100833 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Characterizing Smart Home Technology Usage Among Users with Disabilities through Reddit
Moore, R., & Wiese, J. (2025) · International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility · doi:10.1145/3663547.3746328 · Cited by 3 · see citing works
Liu, X., Li, H., & Ouyang, W. (2026) · Buildings · doi:10.3390/buildings16101920 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Dong, F. (2026) · International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1080/10447318.2026.2684267 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Corrales, D. P. M., Salcedo, A. X. H., & Suárez, L. A. H. (2005) · Revista CONVICCIONES · doi:10.20889/2687
Evaluation Of the Application Effectiveness of Smart Home Health Monitoring Devices
Chen, Z. (2025) · Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences · doi:10.54097/v45ky417
A Systematic Review of Smart Home Technologies to Empower Aged and Disabled Population in Australia
Kaur, S., Gide, E., Chaudhry, G. M., & Elkhodr, M. (2025) · Lecture notes in networks and systems · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-04728-1_12
Farič, N., Contreras, R., Chen, L., Saied, I., Smola, F., Hillston, J. E., Wilkinson, H. A., Lewis, S., & Fleuriot, J. (2025) · doi:10.2196/preprints.84451
Key Theories and Frameworks Related to ICT and Healthy Aging
Gu, D., Wang, K., Feng, Q., & Lee, H. Y. (2025) · Advances in studies of aging and health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-98964-3_3 · Cited by 1 · see citing works
Social Media Use and Self-rated Health Among Older Adults in China
Gu, D., Zhu, H., & Feng, Q. (2025) · Advances in studies of aging and health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-98964-3_19
Social Media Use and Aging Experiences Among Older Adults in China
Gu, D., Feng, Q., & Yang, F. (2025) · Advances in studies of aging and health · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-98964-3_21
Sun, C., Ding, Y., Qian, K., Li, X., Yu, Y., Zhang, G., Shang, S., & Wan, X. (2025) · doi:10.2196/preprints.88007
Ghosh, A., & Hullumani, S. (2025) · DMIHER International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, Education and Industry (IDICAIHEI) · doi:10.1109/idicaihei65991.2025.11379304
“These technologies include health and safety monitoring systems like fall detection sensors and emergency alert devices, as well as environmental monitoring systems that control variables like temperature, humidity, and air quality [3].”
The role of engagement in older adults’ intention to use virtual reality for wellbeing
Al‐Samarraie, H., Alzahrani, A. I., & Alblehai, F. (2026) · Virtual Reality · doi:10.1007/s10055-026-01342-1
Liu, X., Peng, Y., Xing, Y., & Li, H. (2026) · medRxiv · doi:10.64898/2026.03.24.26349222
Ghorbany, S., Hu, M., Yao, S., Sisk, M. L., & Wang, C. (2026) · Environmental Impact Assessment Review · doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2026.108459
Self-citationA Study on Intention to Use Smart Home Technology among Baby Boomers
Ko, J., Ahn, M., & Kwon, H. J. (2026) · Journal of the Korean housing association · doi:10.6107/jkha.2026.37.2.029
Wang, T., & Sani, N. M. (2026) · Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering · doi:10.1080/13467581.2026.2715946
AI-Driven Insights into Urban Construction: Enhancing Health and Well-Being across US Cities
Ghorbany, S., Hu, M., Yao, S., Sisk, M. L., Wang, C., Zhang, K., & Nguyen, Q. (2026) · ASCE Construction Research Congress (CRC) · doi:10.1061/9780784486993.103
Self-citationYapay Zeka ve Sanal Gerçekliğin Geronteknoloji Hizmetlerindeki Rolü: Yaşlıların Yeni Dostu
Özkan, R., & Keskin, H. (2026) · Sağlık Akademisi Kastamonu · doi:10.25279/sak.1516448
Ismail, H. (2026) · Pertanika Journal of Quality of Life Studies · doi:10.47836/jqols.2026.1.1.010
Sun, C. C., Ding, Y., Qian, K., Li, X., Yu, Y., Zhang, G. Z., Shang, S., & Wan, X. (2025) · JMIR Aging · doi:10.2196/88007
Awang, N. A., Myeda, N. E., Saleh, A. F. A., & Baydoun, R. (2026) · Journal of Facilities Management · doi:10.1108/jfm-09-2025-0157
- Authors
- Hu, M., Han, S., Ghorbany, S., & Zhang, K.
- Affiliations
- University of Notre Dame (US)
- University at Albany, State University of New York (US)
- Corresponding author
- Hu, Ming
- Venue
- Encyclopedia
- Publisher
- MDPI AG
- Published
- 2024-12-19
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 1918-1932
- ISSN
- 2673-8392 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4405570899
- Cited by
- 30
- References
- 38
- Citations by year
- 2026: 11 · 2025: 18
- Type
- reference entry
- Language
- en
- Open access
- gold
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Encyclopedia (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Funders
- National Science Foundation Grant Award (#2317971, #2430623, #23-1007)
- Department of Energy Subaward (#2317971, #2430623, #23-1007)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Demography › Technology Use by Older Adults
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition › Context-Aware Activity Recognition Systems
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Assistive Technology in Communication and Mobility
- Keywords
- aging in place, smart technologies, older adults, home monitoring, wearable devices, activity monitoring, health monitoring, independent living, population aging, research gaps
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
