Motivations, Experiences, and Barriers of Elderly Persons Participating in the Artificial Intelligence–Based Smart Senior Center Project

A Phenomenological Study

Bibliographic Data

ID23039477
AuthorsMinhwa Seo (0009-0004-3207-8993, Yonsei University), Hae Youn Min (0000-0001-8798-8872, Yonsei University), Jinmoo Heo (0000-0001-5781-1160, Yonsei University, corresponding author)
EditorsRudra Bhandari
Year2026
Volume2026
Issue1
Publication date2026-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueHuman Behavior and Emerging Technologies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2578-1863 • E-ISSN: 2578-1863
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1155/hbe2/4902877
OpenAlexW7140219252
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited36

This study aimed to explore the motivations, limitations, and aging‐related outcomes associated with participation in the artificial intelligence (AI)–based Smart Senior Center Project. In‐depth interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of older adults from local senior centers in Korea, and data were analyzed using a phenomenological approach. The senior centers incorporated various AI technologies into health programs, and participants were invited to share their experiences and perceptions of these programs. Analysis revealed 3 overarching themes and 11 subthemes. The first theme reflected participants’ motivations such as pursuing health improvement, expanding social relationships, and seeking enjoyment. The second theme aligned with the optimal aging model, highlighting elements of physical and cognitive maintenance, active social engagement, and enhanced well‐being. The third theme addressed program limitations, including fear of digital adoption, dissatisfaction with the lack of program diversity, and challenges in achieving interactive communication compared with face‐to‐face settings. These findings demonstrate that, although the program facilitated meaningful aspects of optimal aging, its effectiveness was constrained by digital literacy gaps and implementation barriers. Balancing these positive outcomes with the identified limitations points to the need for broadened program diversity, digital literacy support, and hybrid delivery models. Through these improvements, the AI‐based Smart Senior Center Project holds considerable potential to contribute to the optimal aging of older adults.

Center (category theory) · Cognition · Computer literacy · Digital health · Digital Literacy · Perception · Social cognitive theory · Theme (computing) · Aging and Gerontology Research · Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education · Technology Use by Older Adults

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