A Qualitative Study on the Experience of Smart Care Service Utilization among Older Adults Living Alone

This study conducted focus group interviews with 13 older adults participating in the “Big Data-based Single Household Care Service” project, which utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, to understand their preconceptions, decision-making processes, and experiences regarding the use of smart care services. The study results revealed a total of 6 main themes and 17 sub-themes. Participants reported: 1) Living with various concerns related to lonely death, 2) Encountering smart care services for the first time, 3) Carefully considering the benefits and burdens after being encouraged to use the services, 4) Discovering unexpected advantages and inconveniences during service usage, 5) Experiencing a sense of pride in their decision to use the service through support and encouragement from others, and 6) Suggesting ideas for the improvement of smart care services. The directions for smart care services tailored to the needs and characteristics of older adults living alone are suggested.