Effects of Virtual Reality Supported Nature Based Activities on Health of Older Adults

Abstract

The number and proportion of the older adults is steadily increasing worldwide. Older adult health is gaining greater importance with the growth of the older people. Due to the increasing prevalence of physical, psychological, and social health problems in old age, the importance of developing and implementing innovative interventions to ensure that older adults experience a healthy aging process is emphasized. In this context, nature based activities are one of the innovative active aging strategies that positively affect the health of older adults. On the other hand, urbanization, physical limitations, and lifestyle factors can make it difficult for older adults to participate in nature based interventions. Virtual reality technologies offer an alternative solution by providing simulations of natural environments independently of these barriers. Virtual reality activities can enable older adults to be immersed in nature, participate in physical activities and interact with realistic environmental stimulus. Virtual reality supported nature based activities are emerging as an effective method for protecting, developing, and improving the physical, psychological, and social health of older adults. Public health nurses play an important role in the planning, implementation and evaluation of virtual reality supported nature based activities for older adults.