Digital Immersive Technology in Health Education and Self-Management of Chronic Diseases among Older Adults: ABibliometric Analysis of Technological Evolution, Adoption Factors, and Preliminary Efficacy Evidence

ABSTRACT

Background: Immersive technologies such as VR, AR, and serious games show promise for chronic disease education and self-management in older adults. However, current evidence is fragmented, and rigorous bibliometric analyses remain scarce. This study maps the research landscape of immersive technologies for elderly chronic disease self-management, analyzing technological evolution, knowledge structures, and research hotspots.
Methods: A bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web of Science Core Collection. We included studies focusing on adults aged ≥65 years, chronic diseases, immersive technologies (VR/AR/MR, serious games, digital twins), and self-management or education. A total of 149 eligible publications were analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer.
Results: Annual publication output demonstrated exponential growth after 2020. The United States (n=17), China (n=11), Germany (n=6), and Italy (n=6) constituted the primary research forces, though international collaboration remained low (31.4%). Duke University, Harvard University, and IRCCS institutions were the most prolific contributors. High-impact research was predominantly published in cardiovascular journals like Circulation (IF=38.7), indicating strong cross-disciplinary links with cardiovascular medicine.
Keyword analysis identified four research hotspots: intervention efficacy validation, age-friendly design optimization, multimorbidity interventions, and cross-scenario service coordination. Core knowledge bases included the Technology Acceptance Model, behavior change theories, and geriatric design principles.
Conclusion: Immersive technologies have formed a distinct research paradigm, but challenges include uneven global distribution, limited collaboration, inadequate age-friendly adaptation, and low multimorbidity coverage. Future research should strengthen international cooperation, improve age-friendly design, develop standardized assessments, and promote clinical translation.