JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

As the global aging population accelerates, mobile health applications (mHealth apps) have emerged as critical tools in elderly health management. However, the promotion of mHealth apps has faced multiple obstacles, including insufficient technological adaptation to aging, digital resistance, and ageism. The impact of ageism on technology usage experiences among older adults is influenced by mechanisms such as stereotypes and biases. Notably, extant research has not adequately explored the subjective experiences of older adults in the context of mHealth app usage scenarios.

Objective:

The present study was predicated on the extended UTAUT model and the Risks of Ageism Model (RAM) to systematically explore and understand older adults’ ageism experiences in mHealth apps usage. Our objectives were to provide a reference for optimizing age-friendly design and enhancing digital health management capabilities for older adults.

Methods:

This qualitative study was conducted from February to April 2025, using purposive sampling to select older adults who had experience using mHealth apps in a community in Shanghai for semi-structured interviews. This study used a phenomenological approach and Colaizzi's phenomenological method to analyze and summarize older adults' experiences and perceptions of ageism and to extract themes.

Results:

The study identified three core themes: (1) internalized age stereotypes, which manifest as technological uselessness and learning barriers; (2) anxiety and avoidance behaviors caused by stereotype threat; and (3) external unfair treatment (such as age-friendly design flaws and inadequate support systems) which inhibits usage. These experiences significantly impact older adults' intention to use mHealth apps.

Conclusions:

Ageism profoundly affects the engagement of older adults with mHealth apps. It is advisable to execute systematic interventions to improve digital inclusion and health self-management capabilities, including strategies to challenge age stereotypes, optimize intergenerational support, refine age-friendly design, and establish strong social support networks.