Cycling through 360° Virtual Reality Tourism for Senior Citizens: Empirical Analysis of an Assistive Technology

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in using virtual reality (VR) to (re)create different scenarios and environments with interactive and immersive experiences. Although VR has been popular in the tourism sector to reconfigure tourists’ relationships with places and overcome mobility restrictions, its usage in senior cyclotourism has been understudied. VR is suggested to positively impact tourism promotion, cycling simulation, and active and healthy ageing due to physical and mental rehabilitation. The purpose of this study is to assess the senior citizens’ perceived experience and attitudes toward a designed 360° VR cyclotouristic experiment, using a head-mounted display (HMD) setting within a laboratory context. A total of 76 participants aged between 50 and 97 years old were involved in convergent parallel mixed-method research, and data were collected using a questionnaire based on the technology acceptance model, as well as the researchers’ field notes. Findings suggest that 360° VR with HMD can be an effective assistive technology to foster senior cyclotourism by promoting tourism sites, simulating the cycling pedaling effect, and improving senior citizens’ general wellbeing and independence with physical and mental rehabilitation.

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

“…In addition, VR has shown that interactive training with visual feedback can outperform traditional physical training in improving functional mobility and balance in older adults. The multiple feedback and engaging nature of VR training could make it more effective and motivating, highlighting its distinct advantages in geriatric care and rehabilitation ( 18 , 19 ).…”

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Experiential-sensorial adaptive system model for hospitality based on 360° VR videos and case-based reasoning

“…In this context, we propose, develop, and validate an architecture for a sensory-experiential marketing system based on 360° VR technology. VR employs virtual environments that allow users to move freely within the virtual space, while 360° VR offers spherical/panoramic experiences [ 3 ]. 360° immersive video has gained popularity in contemporary applications due to several studies indicating that it enhances perception.…”

Development of a Core Set of Quality Criteria for Virtual Reality Applications Designed for Older Adults: Multistep Qualitative Study

“…VR applications offer numerous benefits, including use among older adults [ 2 , 5 , 6 ]. VR applications are intended to specifically promote the competencies of the older adults and to help them achieve more independence in old age [ 7 ]. Figure 1 illustrates various application fields in VR for older adults, along with 2 existing exemplary scenarios.…”