JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Virtual Reality (VR) group activity provide a potential solution to address issues in related to inactivity and lack of meaningful activities among seniors in nursing home. Several models have explored the acceptance of VR among seniors from different perspectives. However, the impact of individual characteristics an acceptance of such new technologies is unknown.

Objective:

This study investigates the impact of individual characteristics, for example psychosocial capacities, on VR acceptance among seniors in nursing homes, along with their perceptions of VR after participating in a VR intervention

Methods:

In this longitudinal study conducted within naturalistic settings, we applied VR intervention pragmatically within nursing homes, involving 113 senior participants. These participants were categorized into two groups based on their naturalistic choice to join the intervention: a higher acceptance group (N = 90) and a lower acceptance group (N = 23). We conducted analyses to compare sociodemographic information, psychosocial capabilities, and attitudes toward the new technology between both groups. Additionally, we examined the participants' perceptions of VR.

Results:

The results show that those with lower acceptance for VR initially reported higher capacities in organizing daily activities, and stronger interpersonal relationships, compared to seniors with higher VR acceptance. Findings suggest that the VR group activity might hold limited significance for the latter group, but rather the chance to offer VR interventions to seniors with lower proactivity. Results confirm a positive correlation between openness to new technology and a favorable perception of VR. After the VR intervention, the perspective on VR remained notably high.

Conclusions:

This study investigates the acceptance of VR group events as meaningful activities for seniors in nursing home under naturalistic conditions. It closely simulates real-world scenarios and provides insights based on survival-like data. The results indicate that the Virtual Reality group intervention effectively addressed low proactivity and interpersonal relationship issues among seniors in nursing homes, aligning with the initial goals of our project. Seniors should be encouraged to experience VR in case possibilities are offered, potentially facilitated by care persons.