The Use of Virtual and Augmented Reality by Older Adults: Potentials and Challenges

Seifert, Alexander; Schlomann, Anna

doi:10.3389/frvir.2021.639718

Cited by 46 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 44 publications

(48 reference statements)

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“…Researchers have also found that attitudes toward VR among older adults significantly improved after experiencing the technology for the first time ( Huygelier et al, 2019 ). Nonetheless, negative impacts of VR have occasionally been reported in the wider literature, including experiences of cybersickness, headaches, and very rarely, the triggering of epileptic seizures ( Keshavarz et al, 2018 ; Seifert & Schlomann, 2021 ). It is important to be aware of these potential side effects when making use of the technology.…”

Section: Virtual Reality and Older Adultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using a Nature-Based Virtual Reality Environment for Improving Mood States and Cognitive Engagement in Older Adults: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study

Kalantari

Mostafavi

et al. 2022

Innovation in Aging

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Background and Objectives Exposure to nature and nature-based imagery has been shown to improve mood states and stave off cognitive decline in older adults. Even “micro-doses” of natural scenery can provide beneficial effects in situations where more extensive interactions with nature are not feasible. In the current study we evaluated the use of virtual reality (VR) for delivering interactive nature-based content with the goal of prompting active engagement and improving mood states in older adults. Research Design and Methods The researchers developed a novel VR environment that combined 360-degree videos of natural areas and botanical gardens with interactive digital features that allowed users to engage with aspects of the environment. We recruited 50 older adults to try out this VR environment, and measured changes in mood states and attitudes toward VR from before vs. after the sessions. We controlled for variables such as age, education level, and exposure to nature in everyday life, and we looked for differences in responses to the VR among participants with cognitive impairments vs without, and participants with physical disabilities vs. without. Results The findings indicated significant improvements in “good” mood and “calm” mood dimensions after exposure to the VR, as well as improvements in attitudes toward the technology. These positive outcomes were significantly greater for participants with physical disabilities compared to those without disabilities. No differences were found in the responses of participants with cognitive impairments vs. those without. Exit interviews provided a variety of helpful suggestions about ways to improve the VR equipment design and content to meet the needs of an older adult population. Discussion and Implications The study demonstrates that VR can provide a cost-effective, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical approach for improving the lives of older adults in both clinical and recreational settings, particularly when real-world access to nature is limited.

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Section: Virtual Reality and Older Adultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using a Nature-Based Virtual Reality Environment for Improving Mood States and Cognitive Engagement in Older Adults: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study

Kalantari

Mostafavi

et al. 2022

Innovation in Aging

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…We hope this information will be useful for guiding researchers, interventionists, and designers of VR systems and experiences. Some future directions for applications of VR for older adults include products and services to facilitate real-world orientation (e.g., virtual tourism), education (e.g., VR-based lessons, gamification), health (e.g., pain management, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, physical and cognitive exercise, gait/balance training), entertainment (e.g., leisure experiences, visiting museums), social connectedness (e.g., collaborative games, group activities; Guttentag, 2010;Hoffman et al, 2004;Seifert & Schlomann, 2021;Sisto, Forrest, & Glendinning, 2002), as well as completing enhanced activities of daily living (EADLs; Dilanchian, Andringa, & Boot, 2021).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding spatial presence formation and maintenance in virtual reality for younger and older adults

Mitzner¹,

McGlynn²,

Rogers³

2021

Gerontechnology

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Background: Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to benefit physical, cognitive, and socioemotional well-being across a wide spectrum of domains. For the benefits of VR to be fully realized, people must experience spatial presence in the digital environment. We developed the Magnet Model of Spatial Presence as a framework to integrate the extant literature, identify gaps, and delineate the spatial presence formation and maintenance processes in virtual reality. Given that perception and attention are key components of the spatial presence process, age-related changes in these abilities might impact older adults' ability to develop and maintain spatial presence in a virtual environment.Objective: This research study aimed to address limitations in the literature by assessing various aspects of the spatial presence process for younger and older adults. The objectives were to evaluate how long it takes to form spatial presence; the extent that spatial presence is experienced and if it changes over several hours of time with experience; how well people maintain presence; and how well they recover from breaks in the spatial presence experience. Method: Participants were twenty-five younger adults and twenty-five older adults. The VR apparatus was an HTC Vive and the VR experiences included one passive experience and one active experience. Participation occurred for three days. Results: Most aspects of the spatial presence process were similar for older and younger adults. Presence formation occurred quickly, levels of presence were high and generally maintained over several hours of time. Younger adults experienced more breaks in presence than older adults, but all participants were generally able to easily recover from breaks in presence. Conclusion: These findings provide insights on presence formation, levels, maintenance, and break recovery. The results illustrate the potential of virtual reality for both younger and older adults.

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“…Despite its advantages, the high cost of VR devices and programs, potential risks of cyber sickness, eye strain, and addiction, especially if used for an extended period, are some potential challenges or limitations in employing VR. However further studies for evaluating the safety of VR and its potential side effects are necessary [ 16 - 18 ].…”

Section: To the Editormentioning

confidence: 99%

Virtual reality: a promising non-pharmacological modality for chronic low back pain management in elderly

Mortazavi

2022

Korean J Pain

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The Use of Virtual and Augmented Reality by Older Adults: Potentials and Challenges

Cited by 46 publications

References 44 publications

Using a Nature-Based Virtual Reality Environment for Improving Mood States and Cognitive Engagement in Older Adults: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study

Using a Nature-Based Virtual Reality Environment for Improving Mood States and Cognitive Engagement in Older Adults: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study

Understanding spatial presence formation and maintenance in virtual reality for younger and older adults

Virtual reality: a promising non-pharmacological modality for chronic low back pain management in elderly

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