Evaluating Smart Home Usability and Accessibility in Early Detection and Intervention of Mental Health Challenges Among Older Adults

Background: As the global population ages, mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline become increasingly prevalent. Smart home technologies (SHTs) offer potential for real-time monitoring and early intervention, yet practical barriers related to usability, accessibility, and user acceptance persist. Methods: This narrative review summarizes literature from 2010 to early 2024 on SHT development, focusing on older adults’ mental health needs. User-centered design principles, accessibility guidelines, and ethical considerations were synthesized to identify challenges and facilitators. Results: Findings highlight issues such as complex interfaces, cognitive overload, and high costs, which limit SHT adoption. Accessibility barriers, including physical and sensory impairments, likewise reduce engagement and threaten the inclusivity of current SHT solutions. Nevertheless, research shows that user-centric design, participatory co-development, and adaptive interfaces can significantly improve acceptance. Early detection systems integrating AI-driven behavioral monitoring, medication reminders, and social engagement features demonstrate promise for timely mental health support. Conclusions: By addressing usability, accessibility, affordability, and privacy concerns through a multidisciplinary framework, SHTs can facilitate holistic mental health care for older adults. These systems have the potential to enhance autonomy, support aging in place, and foster improved wellbeing, provided that they are tailored to the diverse needs of end users.