Using Virtual Reality Travel to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults
Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether and how virtual reality travel (VRT) can reduce loneliness among older adults. It will utilize a mixed-methods research design that combines an randomly assigned experiment with follow-up semi-structured interviews. This is a pilot study and it is essential to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol, assess the tolerability of VR technology in this population prior to conducting a full-scale RCT, and generate preliminary effect size estimates to inform future sample size calculations.
Conditions
- Loneliness
- Older Adults (65 Years and Older)
- Virtual Reality
- Leisure Activities
Eligibility
- Eligible Ages
- Over 65 Years
- Eligible Sex
- All
- Accepts Healthy Volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria
- Adults aged 65 years or older - Express willingness to engage with VR technology
Exclusion Criteria
- No self-reported physical, sensory, neurological, or cognitive conditions that would make VR use unsafe or impractical (e.g., uncontrolled seizures, severe vertigo, or significant uncorrected vision/hearing impairments).
Study Design
- Phase
- N/A
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Intervention Model
- Parallel Assignment
- Primary Purpose
- Treatment
- Masking
- None (Open Label)
Arm Groups
| Arm | Description | Assigned Intervention |
|---|---|---|
|
Experimental Virtual reality travel group |
Participants in the VR travel group experience a 13-minute-and-44-second VR tour of Bali Island, Indonesia. |
|
|
Active Comparator Attention control group |
Participants in the attention control group complete 13-minute-and-44-second symmetric puzzles featuring leaves, birds, and insects. |
|
Recruiting Locations
Evergreen Village at Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
Area 10 Agency on Aging
Ellettsville, Indiana 47429
Ellettsville, Indiana 47429
More Details
- Status
- Recruiting
- Sponsor
- Indiana University