Factors influencing older adults’ adoption of AI voice assistants: extending the UTAUT model

Introduction With the acceleration of global population aging and the digitalization process, the potential application of AI voice assistants among the elderly has become increasingly apparent. However, the adoption of this technology by older adults remains relatively low. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study extends the model by introducing two variables, perceived AI experience and perceived AI trustworthiness, to explore the key factors influencing older adults’ use of AI voice assistants. Methods Data were collected through a structured survey, with participants consisting of 413 elderly users from Shanxi Province, China, using a convenience sampling method. The gender distribution was 53.1% male and 46.9% female, with ages ranging from 60 to 75 years and older. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results The results showed that performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, perceived AI trustworthiness, and perceived AI experience all had a significant positive effect on the elderly’s intention to use AI voice assistants, while effort expectancy negatively influenced the intention. Additionally, although social influence significantly affected perceived AI trustworthiness, its impact on the intention to use was not significant. Furthermore, intention to use played an important mediating role in the actual behavior of older adults using AI voice assistants. Discussion This study enriches the application of the UTAUT model in technology adoption research among older populations by incorporating perceived AI experience and perceived AI trustworthiness. The findings provide practical guidance for optimizing the design and promotion strategies of age-friendly AI voice assistants, highlighting the importance of enhancing user trust and experience to improve technology adoption among the elderly.