Can Virtual Reality Satisfy Entertainment Needs of the Elderly? The Application of a VR Headset in Elderly Care

Abstract

Aging has become one of the most significant population trends, and eldercare, particularly regarding emotional and entertainment needs, has become a challenge and an opportunity. Virtual reality (VR) can offer more direct and effective entertainment methods for the elderly. We interviewed ten elderly people in aging community to further know about their social cycles and entertainment activities and concluded their requirements. Then we conducted an experimental study where fourteen elderly people played three selected VR applications while their emotional state and attitude toward the applications were recorded. Results indicate that participants had more positive valence and higher arousal of emotion when they were playing the VR application, and applications related to tourism and easy-to-play games are favored by the elderly. Based on the insights from the user interviews and experimental study, we propose some guidelines of VR applications for the elderly. For example, the contents should be closer to actual life.