Friends, Support and Fear: A Structural Equation Model of Wearable Health Technology Acceptance Amongst Older Adults

Purpose With a rapidly aging global population, wearable health monitoring technology (WHMT) offers a promising means to reduce the growing healthcare and assistance burden among older adults. This study investigated the key factors influencing older adults’ acceptance of WHMT using a structural equation modelling approach grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Methods The extended TAM incorporated social influence (SI), facilitating conditions (FC), and technology anxiety (TA) to evaluate their effects on behavioural intention (BI). Data were analysed using structural equation modelling. A structured questionnaire was administered to 215 individuals aged 60 years and above. Data were analysed using structural equation modelling to assess the relationships among variables. Results The findings demonstrated that both SI and FC significantly and positively influenced older adults’ behavioural intention to use WHMT. In contrast, TA had a significant negative impact. These results suggest that both interpersonal and environmental factors play critical roles in shaping acceptance, while anxiety about technology serves as a barrier. Conclusions The findings offered important knowledge for researchers and practitioners aiming to improve WHMT adoption among older adults. Practical implications were discussed for WHMT developers, practitioners, and stakeholders to optimise the adoption of WHMT for the aging population.