Initial Acceptance Barriers and Meaning Construction of Digital Exercise Equipment among Older Adults in Smart Senior Centers

Purpose: This study aims to to explore the initial acceptance barriers experienced by older adults when first utilizing digital exercise equipment in smart senior centers. It further examines how these barriers are mitigated through social interaction and repeated use, leading to a reconstruction of the meaning of physical activity and daily life. Rather than focusing on technological usability, this research investigates the experiential and interpretive processes through which digital exercise becomes integrated into the lives of older adults. Method: A qualitative research design was employed, involving a secondary analysis of in-depth interview data from eight adults aged 65 and older who participated in digital exercise programs at two smart senior centers. All participants had sustained experience using digital exercise equipment. Data were analyzed through an inductive qualitative approach, following the procedures of open, axial, and selective coding to identify core themes and experiential structures related to technology acceptance and meaning construction. Results: The acceptance process was found to unfold across four distinct stages: initial barriers, social mediation, repeated use, and meaning reconstruction. Initial barriers primarily stemmed from a fear of making mistakes and diminished self-efficacy, rather than technical complexity. Support from instructors and peers played a crucial role in alleviating anxiety and fostering psychological safety. Ultimately, repeated use increased familiarity and confidence, enabling participants to perceive digital exercise as an ordinary and significant activity. Conclusion: Digital exercise equipment serves as a socially mediated platform that allows older adults to integrate physical activity into their daily routines and reconstruct its personal significance. These findings suggest that social support and sustained engagement are indispensable factors in promoting technology acceptance and successful digital integration among the elderly.