Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41034948›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Aging population challenges: enhancing healthy aging practices through virtual coaching systems.

Marta Pinzone, Francesco Paolo Appio, Luca Gastaldi, Emanuele Lettieri

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Marta PinzoneDepartment of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milan, 20133, Italy. Marta.pinzone@polimi.it.
Francesco Paolo AppioParis School of Business, Paris, France.
Luca GastaldiDepartment of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milan, 20133, Italy.
Emanuele LettieriDepartment of Management, Economics and Industrial Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, Milan, 20133, Italy. Emanuele.lettieri@polimi.it.

Funding

European Commission 769643
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAs the global population ages, society faces complex challenges in healthcare provision and medical service delivery. This study focusses on the potential of supportive digital technologies, with a particular focus on Virtual Coaching Systems (VCSs), to offer innovative solutions for improving healthy aging practices. Our research extends the existing Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by incorporating three novel external determinants: subjective norms, health literacy, and information technology literacy. These additional factors provide a more nuanced understanding of the drivers behind technology acceptance among older adults, highlighting the importance of addressing the unique needs and preferences of this population segment.

methodsDrawing on empirical evidence from a sample of 436 Italian individuals aged 60 and above, we develop a comprehensive framework and test a structural equation model that unveils the crucial role of exploiting diverse knowledge sources through VCSs in promoting healthy aging, ultimately contributing to the sustainability of national healthcare systems.

resultsIn line with the TAM, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a positive and significant impact on the elderly people's intention to use a VCS. Subjective norms are not found to have a significant direct impact on the intention to use a VCS, while they have an indirect influence through perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Health literacy is found to have a significant but negative impact on the perceived usefulness of a VCS. On the other hand, it positively and significantly affects perceived ease of use. Finally, the results of the analysis provide support for the positive relationship between information technology literacy and perceived ease of use.

conclusionsOur findings offer valuable insights for healthcare researchers, policymakers, professionals, and digital solution providers in developing targeted strategies and interventions to support the health and well-being of the aging population. This study emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach among stakeholders to harness the potential of VCSs in addressing the multifaceted challenges arising from population aging, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for older individuals and promoting the sustainability of healthcare systems worldwide.

Indexed as

Health PromotionHealthy AgingMentoringAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHealth LiteracyHumansItalyMaleMiddle AgedDigital technologiesHealthy agingStructural equation modellingTechnology acceptance modelVirtual coaching systems

Identifiers

PMID41034948
PMCPMC12486752

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.