Enhancing the Daily Lives of Aged Care Residents including those with Mild Cognitive Impairment Through Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

As global populations age, the wellbeing of older adults becomes increasingly critical, particularly amidst the loneliness epidemic and COVID-19-induced social isolation. Aged care residents are especially vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation, which are associated with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and dementia, ultimately leading to a diminished quality of life. This study explores the observed effect of virtual reality (VR) experiences on the daily lives of aged care residents, including those with mild cognitive impairment. Conducted across two residential aged care facilities in regional Victoria, Australia, the study involved 34 residents observed before, during, and after VR sessions using the Maastricht Electronic Daily Life Observation tool (MEDLO-tool). The VR sessions featured guided travel experiences designed for older adults. Results demonstrated significant increases in residents' engagement and physical activity levels, with engagement rising from baseline to during the VR experience and remaining elevated post-VR. Physical effort also increased substantially, with 92.9% of previously inactive residents exerting effort during the session. Emotional wellbeing improvements were evident, with elevated mood and reduced signs of agitation. Facilitated by the lifestyle and wellbeing officers, social interactions became more frequent post-VR, with 83.6% of previously socially inactive residents engaging in conversations after the experience. These findings suggest that VR can stimulate cognitive and physical engagement, improve mood, reduce agitation, and promote socialization, thereby enhancing the daily lives of aged care residents, including those with mild cognitive impairment. Integrating VR experiences into scheduled routines holds promise for enriching the lives of aged care residents.