Using Virtual Reality to Help Older Adults Connect
Author Information
Author(s): Mois George, Eraslan Emre, Cheng Qiyuan, Sun Tongxin, Louis-Charles Willencia, Gupta Avinash, Rogers Wendy
Primary Institution: University of Georgia, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Hypothesis
What types of virtual reality activities are older adults interested in for social engagement?
Conclusion
Older adults showed positive attitudes towards virtual reality and expressed interest in using it to engage with family, friends, and new acquaintances.
Supporting Evidence
- One in four adults over age 65 experience loneliness.
- Older adults had positive attitudes about using virtual reality.
- Participants were interested in engaging with family and friends through VR.
- They also saw potential in using VR to meet new people with shared interests.
Takeaway
This study found that older adults think virtual reality could help them make friends and have fun activities, which might help them feel less lonely.
Methodology
The study used questionnaires, passive virtual reality demonstrations, and semi-structured interviews.
Participant Demographics
Participants were older adults aged 61-80, with a mean age of 69.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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