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Playing in virtual nature: improving mood of elderly people using VR technology
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Datum
2020
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Verlag
ACM
Zusammenfassung
Age-related physical, mental, and social limitations can severely
reduce the quality of life of elderly people. Research has shown
that virtual reality (VR) can provide stimulating experiences, elicit
positive emotions, and provoke relaxation. In this paper, we present
an approach that integrates cognitive stimulating tasks, playful elements and virtual natural environments in one VR app tailored for
elderly people. We developed a virtual walk in the forest where the
players can solve cognitive tasks in two mini-games. To support a
feeling of social presence and to reduce loneliness, we integrated a
virtual dog as a companion who accompanies the players.
We conducted an evaluation with 14 participants aged 66 to 84 years.
The results show a change of positive and negative affect scores after
using the VR experience. That supports our assumption, even though
the differences were not significant. The participants enjoyed the VR
app and were especially impressed by the experience of presence.
Despite their inexperience in using VR technology, the participants
behaved naturally and were interested in using the technology again.
Our results support the assumption that elderly people can benefit
from VR games in their everyday lives.