FinTech and older adults: a global synthesis of enablers, barriers, and research trends for inclusive digital finance

FinTech innovations offer immense potential for enhancing financial inclusion among vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Existing research on FinTech adoption in this demographic remains fragmented and limited. Hence, this study presents a detailed understanding on the distribution of the scientific manuscripts across geographies, the primary enablers and barriers influencing FinTech adoption among older adults. The review also attempted to critically integrate thematic content analysis and cluster analysis to identify dominant research themes in its pursuit of enhancing the understanding of FinTech adoption among older adults. A tri-method review approach was used, integrating systematic, bibliometric and content analysis. A total of 204 Scopus-indexed publications from 2001 to 2025 were reviewed using the PRISMA 2020 protocol. The fifty-five most-cited studies were subjected to in-depth content analysis to extract dominant research themes and methodological trends. Most impactful research themes are identified through tree map visualizations and keyword thematic mapping in the literature on FinTech adoption among older adults. Findings show that United States leads in publication output and PLOS ONE emerges as the most influential journal. Five thematic clusters were identified: (1) Digital Financial Inclusion and ICT adoption; (2) Cognitive perspectives on internet use; (3) Healthcare financing and economic challenges; (4) Psychological and organizational dimensions in elder caregiving: health, motivation and crisis responses; (5) Digital finance, social isolation, and financial well-being. Despite growing academic interest since 2021 in the area of FinTech adoption among older adults, studies from developing societies remains limited. The overall findings from this study highlight that socio-economic conditions significantly influence cognitive and technological engagement among older adults, while helping in achieving social and financial inclusion. However, there is need for context-specific policy interventions and inclusive FinTech product designs that cater to underprivileged populations. Further research needs to develop understanding of regional socio-cultural dynamics in FinTech adoption among older adults.