The Impact of Smart Elderly Care Technology Adoption on Quality of Life: Mediating Role of Health Self-Management among Elderly Households in Guangzhou

Abstract

With the rapid acceleration of population ageing, smart elderly care technologies are increasingly adopted to support ageing in place and improve older adults’ quality of life (QoL). However, the mechanisms linking technology use to health outcomes remain unclear. This study investigates the impact of technology adoption on QoL among elderly households in Guangzhou, focusing on the mediating role of health selfmanagement. A cross-sectional survey of 452 respondents aged 55+ measured: (1) technology adoption (usefulness, ease of use, usage); (2) health self-management (self-monitoring, medication adherence, lifestyle management, problem-solving, self-efficacy); and (3) QoL (physical, psychological, social, environmental). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) indicated good model fit for all constructs, with significant factor loadings (p < 0.001). Path analysis and bootstrap mediation testing (5,000 resamples) were conducted. Technology adoption significantly predicted health self-management (β = 1.040, p < 0.001). The direct effect on QoL was positive but non-significant (β = 0.781, p = 0.108), and health self-management to QoL was also non-significant (β = 0.222, p = 0.653). Bootstrap results revealed a significant indirect effect of technology adoption on QoL via health self-management (effect = 0.411, 95% CI [0.346, 0.469]), explaining 56.5% of the total effect (total = 0.728, 95% CI [0.663, 0.793]). Overall, technology adoption improves QoL mainly through enhancing health self-management, while direct effects are not significant. Policy and interventions should combine technology provision with behavioral support to maximize QoL gains.