Exploring smart technology use in older adults’ health and social welfare services with a focus on trends and policy directions

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the current projects of smart technology-based health and welfare services for older adults in South Korea and identify key policy and practice directions. Methods: Using a rapid knowledge synthesis approach, we reviewed nine smart health and welfare projects initiated by the central government and selected local governments as of 2025. Projects were included if they targeted older adults as end-users and incorporated smart technologies such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, or mobile health applications. Results: Some projects showed potential benefits, including improvement in health outcomes and cost-effectiveness. However, most projects were implemented and operated using a top-down, provider-driven approach, with limited user-centred evaluations, and insufficient consideration of digital disparities among older adults. Conclusion: To enhance the effectiveness and equity of smart health and welfare services for older adults, future initiatives should prioritize age-friendly design, user-centered evaluation, and inclusive policy frameworks that address digital determinants of health and mitigate risks associated with the digital divide.