JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, are prevalent among the aging population and affect their health, functioning, and quality of life. Access to proper and high-quality mental health treatment is necessary; however, mental health treatment and care remain underused due to stigma, workforce shortages, cost, and mobility limitations. Digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) are emerging as a promising strategy to improve the accessibility and effectiveness of mental health services for older adults, but older adults have historically been underrepresented in DMHI development and evaluation. Additionally, how effective different types of DMHIs are and how age-centered design approaches influence outcomes remain underexplored.

Objective:

This scoping review mapped and synthesized evidence on digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) focused on adults aged 50 and older and identified gaps in the evidence base related to study design, age-related adaptations, and clinical outcomes. Specifically, we examined (1) the technologies and therapeutic approaches used, (2) the outcomes and effectiveness of DMHIs, and (3) age-centered adaptations and their outcomes.

Methods:

This scoping review searched for studies focusing on DMHIs for older adults across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Ageline, and Web of Science published from 2000 to February 2025. Eligible studies evaluated or described the design of DMHIs targeting mental health conditions among adults aged 50 years or older. Two rounds of independent screening and data extraction were conducted by multiple reviewers. Extracted data included study design, sample characteristics, intervention features, technologies used, age-related adaptations, and clinical outcomes.

Results:

Seventy-two studies met the inclusion criteria, of which thirty-six were randomized controlled trials, and fifty-four reported clinical outcomes. Web-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was the most commonly used approach, followed by games, virtual reality, mobile apps, chatbots, and robots. Fifty-four studies reported clinically effective outcomes, most commonly reductions in depression, anxiety, or psychological distress. However, only one-third of studies incorporated age-centered design adaptations or co-design approaches, such as simplified interfaces, larger fonts, age-relevant content, or participatory development with older adults.

Conclusions:

Among studies reporting effective outcomes, DMHIs can reduce depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. However, with only half of the included studies using randomized controlled trial designs, the overall evidence base remains moderate. In addition, age-adaptive design remains underdeveloped. Future research should strengthen trial designs and systematically examine how usability and age-centered adaptations influence DMHI effectiveness.