Using Virtual Reality for Meal Preparation Tasks in Young and Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Jayakody Oshadi, Pa Judy, Verghese Joe, Doriwala Hussain, Carrera Robert, Agrawal Sunil, Blumen Helena
Primary Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can older adults effectively use virtual reality platforms for meal preparation tasks?
Conclusion
Older adults can complete virtual meal-preparing tasks, although they take longer and make more errors than younger adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults took longer to complete the task than younger adults.
- Older adults made more errors during the task.
- No participants reported simulator sickness.
- All participants reported high self-efficacy in performing similar virtual tasks.
- Older adults showed high acceptability and willingness to engage in future VR interventions.
Takeaway
This study shows that older people can use virtual reality to cook in a game, but they might need a bit more help than younger people.
Methodology
Participants completed a virtual meal-preparing task using Unity 3D, and their performance was compared between young and older adults.
Potential Biases
Self-selection bias may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Limitations
Small sample size and potential biases in self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
8 young adults (average age 25) and 8 older adults at risk for dementia (average age 76.3), with a mix of genders and ethnicities.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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