The Elderly’s Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence: A Scoping Review

Abstract Introduction The number of older adults is rapidly increasing, and age-related physical and mental decline threatens overall well-being and independence. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) hold promise in addressing these challenges and promoting healthy aging in place. The acceptance of AI is essential for its successful adoption among older adults, but relevant research is limited. Method The current scoping review aims to identify and summarize the factors that may influence the acceptance of AI among older adults. A scoping review was completed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Reviews protocol. A total of 36 articles met the selection criteria and were included. Results A total of 85 potential factors of AI acceptance were identified and categorized into eight themes: (1) environmental pressures, (2) demographic characteristics, (3) functionality, (4) intrinsic motivation, (5) privacy, (6) sociability, (7) technology experience, and (8) usability. Eight technology acceptance measures were developed in these articles, though many lacked validation efforts. Conclusions The current review sheds light on the multidimensionality of AI acceptance among older adults and provides a framework for future research. Appropriate measures should be developed and validated, while adaptation AI-specific contexts.