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Sustainable consumption of wearable healthcare devices and its relevance to the net-zero agenda: Evidence from senior citizens

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  • Wei, Mingxue
  • Gupta, Suraksha
  • Yang, Xiaoping
  • Wang, Yichuan

Abstract

The rapid advancement of medical technologies has increased electronic obsolescence and e-waste, yet research on this issue within the medical sector remains limited. Existing studies mainly emphasize environmental and health risks from improper disposal, overlooking the role of consumers, particularly elderly individuals with chronic conditions who depend on wearable health devices. This study addresses this gap by examining how sustainable consumption of wearable healthcare devices among senior citizens can help reduce e-waste and support net-zero goals. Using a mixed-methods design, we conducted 20 semi-structured interviews and surveyed 647 senior citizens, analysing the data through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that user experience strongly drives sustainable consumption. Moreover, user experience is shaped by design leadership, technology leadership, and brand leadership. Several factors, including self-health management efficacy, perceived severity, perceived vulnerability, and disclosure policy, moderate these relationships, while regulation shows no significant moderating effect. The study highlights the importance of enhancing user experience and leadership attributes in wearable healthcare devices to promote sustainable consumption and mitigate e-waste among elderly users.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei, Mingxue & Gupta, Suraksha & Yang, Xiaoping & Wang, Yichuan, 2026. "Sustainable consumption of wearable healthcare devices and its relevance to the net-zero agenda: Evidence from senior citizens," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 225(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:225:y:2026:i:c:s0040162525005402
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124509
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