The adoption of assistive smart home technology and health-related quality of life among older adults: the moderating role of depressive symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the impact of assistive smart home technology use on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to examine the moderating effect of depressive symptoms.

METHODS

Using data from the 2021 Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents (PBICR), a total of 1,147 participants (aged ≥ 60 years) were included after excluding samples with missing core values. An Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was employed to examine the association between assistive smart home technology use and HRQoL among older adults.

RESULTS

Assistive smart home technology use was significantly and positively associated with HRQoL among older adults. Moderation analysis further revealed that depressive symptoms strengthened this association, with individuals experiencing higher depressive symptoms showing a greater increase in HRQoL when using assistive smart home technology.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that assistive smart home technology may contribute to improving HRQoL among older adults, particularly for those with higher depressive symptoms. Promoting age-friendly smart home devices, community-based training, and integration with healthcare services may enhance the benefits of technology adoption and support aging in place in China.