Significance. Early detection of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline through in-home monitoring can significantly reduce healthcare burdens and improve quality of life [6]. Despite these benefits, widespread adoption of SHTs remains slow due to usability challenges, limited personalization, high costs, and privacy concerns [3,7,8]. This review seeks to bridge the gap between the promise of SHTs and their practical implementation by identifying barriers, synthesizing user-driven solutions, and proposing strategies to better align these technologies with older adults’ mental health needs.
Smart Home Technologies (SHTs) as a Solution, and Adoption Barriers

Early Detection and Intervention Through SHTs: Features and Interventions
Purpose and Scope
Materials and Methods. Research Design and Review Protocol
Search Strategy
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria
Screening and Selection Process
Quality Assessment
Data Extraction and Synthesis
Results. Summary of Included Studies
Usability and Accessibility Challenges in SHTs
Economic and Infrastructure Barriers
Mental Health Monitoring and Early Interventions
Discussion
Comparison with Existing Literature
Analysis of Findings

Identified Gaps
Proposed Solutions: Design Strategies and Co-Creation

Conceptual Framework for Integrative Smart Home Solutions

Core Principles of the Framework
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Framework Components and Dynamics
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Adaptive User Interface Layer: 1. Personalized Layouts: large buttons, high-contrast visuals, voice/gesture input for users with varying dexterity or vision [12,18]. 2. Cultural/Language Localization: multi-language support, culturally relevant prompts, and flexible navigation to accommodate diverse backgrounds [14,25]. 3. Real-Time Feedback: simple, reassuring messages or icons confirming user actions, minimizing technology anxiety [3,11].
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Multimodal Sensing and Data Fusion: 1. Behavioral/Physiological Monitoring: sleep patterns, physical activity, and vital signs integrated with mental health indicators (mood, memory tasks) [22,24]. 2. AI-Driven Analysis: emotional state inference via speech/text analysis or facial recognition, delivering discreet alerts for significant mental health risks [25,30]. 3. Interoperability: standardized protocols that unify disparate sensors and systems, offering a holistic view of user well-being [12,31].
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Secure Cloud and Data Governance: 1. Privacy Safeguards: encryption, anonymization, and user-controlled permissions to mitigate surveillance fears and align with ethical guidelines [15,16]. 2. Synchronized Platforms: a unified database ensures consistent updates across devices (smart speakers, tablets, wearables), avoiding siloed data [13,31]. 3. Analytics for Caregivers/Providers: seamless sharing of relevant metrics with trusted parties, enabling timely intervention for mental health concerns [29,32].
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Support and Engagement Mechanisms: 1. Medication/Crisis Alerts: automated reminders and emergency notifications that incorporate both mental and physical health triggers [27,30]. 2. Social Connectivity: in-home video conferencing, online communities, and interactive programs to reduce isolation [31,32]. 3. Iterative Co-Design: continuous user feedback sessions to refine both interface and features, ensuring SHTs stay aligned with older adults’ evolving needs [20,26].


Implementation Pathway
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Phase 1: Collaborative Design and Piloting: 1. Involve older adults, caregivers, designers, and healthcare providers in co-development workshops to ensure the system reflects user needs and expectations [26,29]. 2. Conduct small-scale pilot studies to identify usability pain points and refine the system before wide deployment [20,30].
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Phase 2: Scalable Deployment and Infrastructure Integration: 1. Expand broadband coverage and ensure robust connectivity to support real-time data exchange [20]. 2. Collaborate with healthcare institutions and insurers to integrate SHT solutions into existing care models, allowing for potential subsidies or insurance reimbursement [19,21]. 3. Implement standardized interoperability protocols, facilitating seamless data flow and reducing user confusion [12,13].
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Phase 3: Continuous Evaluation and Policy Support: 1. Establish longitudinal assessment of mental health outcomes, tracking indicators like depression severity, anxiety episodes, and cognitive functioning [31,32]. 2. Develop policy frameworks and ethical guidelines mandating transparent data usage, anonymization protocols, and user consent mechanisms [15,16]. 3. Encourage iterative updates through user feedback, refining the SHT ecosystem to maintain relevance as older adults’ capabilities and preferences evolve [26,30].

Opportunities for Collaboration
Limitations
Future Research Directions
Conclusions
Author Contributions
Funding
Institutional Review Board Statement
Informed Consent Statement
Data Availability Statement
Acknowledgments
Conflicts of Interest
Appendix A. PRISMA-Style Flow Chart

Appendix B
Appendix B.1. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) Summary Table

Appendix B.2. Summary of Included Studies

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