Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare: advancing older adults’ health management in Saudi Arabia through AI-powered chatbots

Background The healthcare sector is experiencing rapid digital advancements, with patients increasingly seeking quick and seamless interactions. Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven healthcare chatbots are becoming an integral part of elderly care, transforming provider-patient engagement and supporting health behavior goals tailored to individual preferences, needs, and limitations. Methods This study developed a comprehensive research framework incorporating various theoretical perspectives to explore the determinants of sustained use of AI-powered healthcare chatbots among older adults. The framework also examined the mediating influence of perceived humanness. The model was evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) on cross-sectional data collected from 158 individuals aged 60 and above. Results The findings show that satisfaction with AI-powered chatbots is significantly influenced by facilitating conditions, perceived hedonic motivation, confirmation, performance expectancy, and effort expectancy. Perceived security also plays a critical role in shaping satisfaction and the intention to continue using these chatbots. Moreover, the analysis revealed that perceived humanness mediates the relationship between satisfaction and continuous use intentions among elderly users in Saudi Arabia. Discussion This research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing older adults’ acceptance of AI chatbots in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. These findings enrich academic discourse and offer actionable recommendations for healthcare organizations adapting to the evolving digital landscape.