Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42046035›Full record

ArticleBMC geriatrics2026

Machine learning in mental health promotion for older adults: a scoping review.

Yunchen Ruan, Haodong Liang, Seita Yamamoto, Shiqi Lin

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in BMC geriatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing 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

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

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.

Yunchen Ruan *School of Humanities and Social Science, Fuzhou University, Minhou County, No. 2 Wulong Jiangbei Avenue, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China.ORCID 0009-0006-0674-1661
Haodong Liang *School of Humanities and Social Science, Fuzhou University, Minhou County, No. 2 Wulong Jiangbei Avenue, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China.
Seita YamamotoDepartment of Sociology, Peking University, Haidian District, No. 5 Yiheyuan Road, Beijing, China.
Shiqi LinSchool of Humanities and Social Science, Fuzhou University, Minhou County, No. 2 Wulong Jiangbei Avenue, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China. linshiqi@fzu.edu.cn.ORCID 0000-0003-1874-5900

Funding

Fujian Provincial Federation of Social Sciences FJ2024C165National Social Science Fund of China 24BRK006
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesOwing to the rapidly aging global population, an increasing number of older adults are experiencing mental health problems. Although machine learning has shown a lot of potential for promoting mental health in this group, there are no scoping reviews in this field. This study aimed to provide an overview of the applications of machine learning in promoting the mental health of older adults and identify associated trends and challenges.

methodsA scoping review was conducted based on the framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Three electronic databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, and IEEE Xplore, were systematically searched from database inception to March 15, 2026. We included English-language studies on the use of machine learning to promote mental health among older adults. Relevant information was extracted, summarized, and analyzed.

resultsA total of 144 articles were included in this review. Our review showed that the current research reveals diverse data and algorithms, with machine learning applications concentrated in two directions. One is the prediction of the risk of mental health problems, and the other is the detection and identification of mental health status. There are still challenges in methodology and application directions, although machine learning effectively helps address some limitations of existing research.

conclusionsFuture research may consider improving data quality, implementing longitudinal designs more extensively, enhancing model interpretability, and broadening research on various mental health problems and intervention–effect prediction. These initiatives may strengthen the empirical basis for clinical judgment and public health policy.

Indexed as

Health PromotionMachine LearningMental HealthAgedHumansHealthy agingMachine learningMental healthOlder adultsScoping review

Identifiers

PMID42046035
PMCPMC13255277

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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.