Abstract
To cope with the demands for medical care in an aging society, smart healthcare wearable devices that can measure physiological signals are being regarded as the primary tools in medical care programs, allowing the users to acquire basic health data. Although the smart healthcare wearable devices could be applied to disease management and prevention that could help older adults control their health, older adults must be willing and able to use and continue to use them. In this research, interviews conducted through means–end chain (MEC) and laddering were used to guide the older adults step-by-step by explaining abstract ideas and emphasizing value in their perceptions of specific attributes. A “hierarchical value map” was further constructed to confirm the perceived value of smart healthcare wearable devices to older adults. The research results showed that, in terms of attribute functions, seniors believed that smart bracelets in mobile health devices should have the attributes of safe use, real-time information feedback, correct data, comfortable wear, and clear screen. In terms of consequent benefits, older adults can use smart bracelets in mobile health devices to gain benefits in learning about smart products, understanding technology applications, increasing health awareness and relaxation, and satisfying curiosity. In terms of value goals, older adults want to achieve the value goals of a sense of social belonging, improved quality of life, and healthier bodies. Health is the most important thing for older adults, but previous research has often focused on the use of equipment for physical examinations; relatively few studies have allowed older adults to experience the equipment personally. The device can provide the ultimate value of long-term health promotion for older adults.
Highlights
As a result of advances in medical technology, an emphasis on health care, and improvements in the living environment, the average human lifespan is significantly longer in both developing and developed countries [1,2]
What consequences do the specific and abstract attributes of smart bracelets produce for older adults? What values do these consequences have for older adults? Based on the hierarchical value map (HVM) for mobile health devices in Figure 1, the present study offers the following three main findings
The present study showed that having older adults wear and experience mobile health devices firsthand can provide them with the terminal value of long-term health promotion
Summary
As a result of advances in medical technology, an emphasis on health care, and improvements in the living environment, the average human lifespan is significantly longer in both developing and developed countries [1,2]. Issues related to the social phenomenon of aging have become important to countries around the world [3]. In 2019, 1 in 11 people in the world were aged 65 or older, and 1 in 6 will be aged 65 or older by 2050, accounting for more than 16% of the total population [4,5]. In addition to the provision of social welfare, such as health care and medical care, how to enable older adults to live independently and with self-respect so as not to become a burden on society, and even provide them with wisdom and other contributions, has become an important source of national competitiveness [6].
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