A Comparative Study of Elderly and Young Adults’ Needs of Smart Home Security Systems: Evidence from an Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

The process of population aging has accelerated significantly, and an increasing number of senior citizens have chosen to spend their later years at home. Consequently, home safety has become a growing social concern. To design and optimize more scientifically advanced home security systems in the context of an aging population, this study focused on exploring and comparing the Intention to use and acceptance of such systems among both senior citizens and young adults. Using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative analyses, the study surveyed 220 senior citizen participants (aged 55 and above) and 215 young adults (aged 18–55) to collect data on their perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward smart home security systems. Based on this data, extended structural equation models were constructed. The results indicated that governments should promote differentiated pricing policies for age-friendly products to reduce economic barriers. System design should emphasize one-click operation and voice interaction to enhance accessibility, and system functionality should integrate environmental sensing, automatic alarms, and health monitoring modules. Adopting transparent data protocol mechanisms could strengthen user trust, thereby improving their sense of security and alleviating technological anxiety. This study aimed to compare the differentiated needs and cognitive characteristics of senior citizens and young adults regarding the use of smart home security systems, providing empirical evidence and design recommendations for developing and promoting age-friendly smart home security systems.