Factors influencing the acceptance of wrist-worn wearable devices by the elderly in China

Abstract

Abstract Background In the context of a rapidly aging population, smart healthcare for the elderly has become the focus of social attention in China. Wrist-worn wearable devices (WWD) are a class of smart healthcare products that aim to support smart healthcare for the elderly. Objective This paper aims to investigate the factors that influence the acceptance of WWD by the elderly in China. Methods A questionnaire survey was launched in Yangtze River Delta. Structural equation modeling is used to study the relationships among the factors in the research model, then test the mediating effect. Results A total of 310 valid data samples were collected. Results reveal that 8 of the 11 hypotheses were supported. Mediation analysis results are consistent with the hypothesis testing. Specifically, the indirect effects of subjective norm(SN) and facilitating conditions(FC) on behavioral intention(BI) by perceived risk(PR) are significantly negative; Health consciousness(HC) has a significant, positive, and indirect effect on BI with perceived usefulness(PU) as a mediator; and FC has a significant, positive, and indirect effect on BI with the remote mediator of “perceived ease of use(PEOU) →PU”. Conclusions The results indicated that SN, FC and HC influence the elderly’s use intention through mediating variables, including PU, PEOU, and PR. However, HC has no significant, direct impact on BI. This study also highlighted the significance of SN, FC, and PU. This study’s findings not only enrich relevant research, but also provide theoretical support and valuable information for designers, governments, and manufacturers to facilitate better service for elderly healthcare.