ABSTRACT

This study was a survey to explore ways to establish non-face-to-face care services for vulnerable older adults. The authors investigated factors that influence the intention of the older adults who are recipients of care services to continue using AI speakers. A questionnaire survey consisting of 26 questions related to the use of AI speakers was conducted in the summer of 2022 targeting 179 elderly people using AI speakers, and the data were analyzed using regression analyses and others. The results showed that the older adults with lower educational levels, poorer health, and lower economic status tended to have a higher intention to continue using AI speakers. Moreover, it was found that the more frequently the older adults used AI speakers and the more confidence they showed in the speakers’ functions, the higher their intention to continue using them. The findings of this study suggest the need for updating AI speaker functions as a means of revitalizing non-face-to-face caregiving services for vulnerable older adults. In addition, it was suggested that educational programs should be provided to use AI speakers more easily for the vulnerable ones than now. This study has a great significance in that it sought ways to continuously utilize AI speakers in the care area of the community-dwelling vulnerable older adults.