This study investigates the role of Smart Home technologies in promoting personal autonomy among elderly people, with a focus on Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems. Adopting a multidimensional view of autonomy that integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains, the paper synthesizes findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2020 and 2025. The review explores five key research questions: the impact of home automation on daily functioning (ADL/IADL), methodologies for measuring autonomy, types of data collected, benefits and limitations of smart systems, and the extent to which research reflects a holistic understanding of autonomy. The primary contribution of this study lies in synthesizing current review literature and identifying patterns, consistencies, and methodological limitations. Findings indicate that while smart technologies effectively support basic daily activities and enhance safety and independence, their effectiveness depends on personalization, inclusivity, and alignment with users' real-life contexts. However, current research often overlooks the emotional and relational dimensions of aging, and many studies reveal inconsistent assessment methods, due to a lack of standardized tools, and limited incorporation of usercentered, cultural, or experiential data.

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Smart Home Technologies and Personal Autonomy of Elderly: A Review

  • Francesco Moccia,
  • Michela Galdieri,
  • Catia Giaconi,
  • Silvia Ceccacci

摘要

This study investigates the role of Smart Home technologies in promoting personal autonomy among elderly people, with a focus on Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems. Adopting a multidimensional view of autonomy that integrates physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains, the paper synthesizes findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses published between 2020 and 2025. The review explores five key research questions: the impact of home automation on daily functioning (ADL/IADL), methodologies for measuring autonomy, types of data collected, benefits and limitations of smart systems, and the extent to which research reflects a holistic understanding of autonomy. The primary contribution of this study lies in synthesizing current review literature and identifying patterns, consistencies, and methodological limitations. Findings indicate that while smart technologies effectively support basic daily activities and enhance safety and independence, their effectiveness depends on personalization, inclusivity, and alignment with users' real-life contexts. However, current research often overlooks the emotional and relational dimensions of aging, and many studies reveal inconsistent assessment methods, due to a lack of standardized tools, and limited incorporation of usercentered, cultural, or experiential data.