How to improve mental health in the older adults through AI-enhanced physical activity: an emerging research topic

Wen Fang, Sijing Fan, Hongyun Zheng, Zijian Fang, Yanwei You, Bo Yin, Baixia Li () and Xinming Ye ()
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Wen Fang: East China University of Science and Technology
Sijing Fan: East China University of Science and Technology
Hongyun Zheng: East China University of Science and Technology
Zijian Fang: University of Oxford
Yanwei You: Tsinghua University
Bo Yin: Tsinghua University
Baixia Li: East China University of Science and Technology
Xinming Ye: East China University of Science and Technology

Palgrave Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-15

Abstract: Abstract With the global rise in aging populations, the demand for healthcare and long-term care services has grown, particularly for addressing mental health. While AI has shown promise for health management of older adults, its effects on physical activity, mental health, and their associations remain largely unexamined.This study aimed to investigate the role of AI in improving mental health among older adults through the promotion of physical activity and elucidating the underlying mechanisms.Bibliometric methods, including CiteSpace and VOSviewer, were employed to analyze 1831 publications, identifying trends, collaborations, hotspots, and potential applications in this domain.AI interventions significantly enhanced mental health in older adults by promoting physical activity. Prominent mechanisms included tailored psychological support, cognitive rehabilitation, and targeted cardiovascular and musculoskeletal interventions. These mechanisms drove better cognitive function, emotional regulation, and physical resilience. These interventions were supported in their effectiveness by biomarkers of BDNF, serotonin, and increased physical activity levels.The present study combines insights on AI, physical activity, and mental health to facilitate emerging research opportunities and practical applications. It highlights the importance of AI for individualized exercise interventions, smart health monitoring, and cognitive and emotional rehabilitation. These research insights provide important guidance for scholars and practitioners, helping them to more effectively leverage artificial intelligence technologies to address the growing mental health needs of aging societies. By systematically outlining the potential roles of AI in future interventions, this study contributes to advancing the use of AI-assisted physical activity to promote mental health in aging population life.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-05155-6

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