Crossing the digital frontier: are older adults ready for virtual reality workouts?

Abstract

In the dynamic web of our digital age, virtual reality (VR) is crystallizing as a promising medium for promoting physical activity in older adults, overcoming age-old barriers. This perspective article explores the intricate synergy between VR and physical activity in older adults and highlights the many challenges of aging within a virtual environment. While VR heralds the potential for multisensory interaction and cognitive enhancement, a thorough assessment of its impact is paramount. The reach of VR goes beyond immediate applications and permeates the emotional and psychological realms of the human journey. Such an exploration requires a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond a purely technical assessment. The aim of this article is not to present clear-cut solutions, but to encourage reflection on the diverse impact of VR on our aging population. We argue for a future in which technology complements, rather than eclipses, the depth of human experience.

Age Unplugged: A Brief Narrative Review on the Intersection of Digital Tools, Sedentary and Physical Activity Behaviors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

“…Nonetheless, overcoming barriers related to technological literacy, health limitations and socio-economic factors is crucial to increase the acceptance of VR among older people. For VR content to be successfully integrated into the lives of older people, it is important that it is engaging, ethically acceptable and complements interaction with the real world [84].…”

“…The strategic use of gamification elements, such as leaderboards, acts as a motivator for increased PA and merits further investigation [86]. Ongoing development and research of these digital platforms is critical to expanding their reach and effectiveness, making them robust tools for promoting an empowered, active aging community [84].…”

“…Creating an age-friendly digital environment further requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together expertise from the fields of gerontology, technology, design and policy to enable effective and ethical interventions. This collaboration is crucial to establish technology as a supportive companion on the aging journey [84]. Interweaving behavioral science principles with considerations of scalability, accessibility, and cultural relevance will lay the foundation for a future in which technology acts as a catalyst for a more engaged, healthy, and vibrant older population.…”