Understanding older people’s intentions to use smart elderly care applications in China: an extension of the UTAUT2 model

Introduction: The adoption of smart elderly care applications is increasingly important in China's aging society, yet the factors influencing older adults' intention to use (IU) these technologies remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate these factors by extending the UTAUT2 model with additional variables, including attitude, perceived risk dimensions, intergenerational support, and technology anxiety. Methods: An online survey was conducted with 477 Chinese adults aged 60 and above, of whom 375 responses remained after quality screening. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine the relationships between the proposed variables and IU. Results: The analysis indicates that attitude, perceived trust, and life satisfaction are significant predictors of IU. Additionally, technology anxiety exerts a notable moderating effect on these relationships. Discussion: By extending the UTAUT2 framework, this study provides deeper insights into the key factors influencing the adoption of smart elderly care applications in China. The findings offer practical implications for application designers, researchers, and government agencies seeking to promote technology adoption among older adults.