Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence for Active Aging: A Scoping Review on Smart Glasses (Preprint)

BACKGROUND The daily use of digital technologies is transforming the day-to-day lives of older adults. Among these technologies, smart glasses that incorporate artificial intelligence and/or artificial intelligence-associated functionalities have recently emerged, which allow constant interaction with the device itself and with the environment. They are designed to be used for multitasking, including options such as being able to take photographs and/or videos, record immersive audio, make calls and share multimedia content, through voice commands, touch or blink detection. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to map the existing evidence and to gain insight into the effectiveness and potential benefits of artificial intelligence glasses in promoting active living in old age. METHODS A scoping review was performed following the PRISMA-ScR Statement, by consulting PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases using a search strategy and syntax ("smart glasses" AND ("older adult" OR elderly OR aging) AND health). The review process was conducted through the Covidence online platform, and the final review protocol was prospectively registered in the Open Science Framework. Both the research question and eligibility criteria were based on the Population, Concept and Context model for scoping reviews. RESULTS From a total of 58 papers identified, 6 studies were finally included after eliminating duplications and analyzing the title, abstract and keywords. The results suggest that the use of artificial intelligence glasses may contribute to improving the quality of life, independence, autonomy, motor functions and social interactions of older adults. CONCLUSIONS Because of the novelty of this type of digital technology, there is very little research on this topic at present. Moreover, the adoption and implementation of glasses equipped with artificial intelligence are conditioned by hindering factors such as data protection, the high price or the compatibility with conventional prescription glasses, as well as the lack of evaluation of their effectiveness, usability and acceptance.