Using a Nature-Based Virtual Reality Environment for Improving Mood States and Cognitive Engagement in Older Adults: A Mixed-Method Feasibility Study

Abstract

Background and objectives: Exposure to nature and nature-based imagery has been shown to improve mood states and stave off cognitive decline in older adults. Even "micro-doses" of natural scenery can provide beneficial effects in situations where more extensive interactions with nature are not feasible. In the current study, we evaluated the use of virtual reality (VR) for delivering interactive nature-based content with the goal of prompting active engagement and improving mood states in older adults.

Research design and methods: The researchers developed a novel VR environment that combined 360-degree videos of natural areas and botanical gardens with interactive digital features that allowed users to engage with aspects of the environment. We recruited 50 older adults to try out this VR environment and measured changes in mood states and attitudes toward VR from before versus after the sessions. We controlled for variables such as age, education level, and exposure to nature in everyday life, and we looked for differences in responses to the VR among participants with cognitive impairments (CIs) versus without, and participants with physical disabilities versus without.

Results: The findings indicated significant improvements in "good" mood and "calm" mood dimensions after exposure to the VR, as well as improvements in attitudes toward the technology. These positive outcomes were significantly greater for participants with physical disabilities compared to those without disabilities. No differences were found in the responses of participants with CIs versus those without. Exit interviews provided a variety of helpful suggestions about ways to improve the VR equipment design and content to meet the needs of an older adult population.

Discussion and implications: The study demonstrates that VR can provide a cost-effective, noninvasive, and nonpharmaceutical approach for improving the lives of older adults in both clinical and recreational settings, particularly when real-world access to nature is limited.

Keywords: Cognitive impairment; Mood; Nature; Virtual garden; Virtual reality.

Figure 1.

Screenshot captures of the VR environment. (A) The tutorial helped participants to learn the VR controls and to become familiar with the equipment. (B) The video module allowed participants to view 360-degree footage of local natural areas. (C) The interactive tools allowed participants to engage in activities such as (C1) walking along pathways, (C2) touching the flowers, (C3) feeding the ducks, and (C4) throwing rocks into a pond. (D) The interactive components also allowed participants to develop their own cultivation areas in which they could arrange and water various types of flowering plants. VR = virtual reality.

Figure 2.

Examples of study participants interacting with the Virtual Garden (images used with the participants’ permission). Interactions could take place from either a standing or seated position, depending on each participant’s preference.

Figure 3.

Schematic representation of the study protocol, including the order of test instruments used in the study.

Figure 4.

Changes in mood states and in attitudes toward VR technology before and after exposure to the virtual garden environment. Significant improvements were seen in all cases except for the awake/tired mood state. VR = virtual reality.

Figure 5.

Changes in mood states and in attitudes toward VR technology before and after exposure to the virtual environment, compared between cognitive impairment (CI) and non-CI groups. There were no significant differences found in the changes seen between the CI participants versus the non-CI participants. VR = virtual reality.

Figure 6.

Changes in mood states and in attitudes toward VR technology before and after exposure to the virtual environment, compared between disability and nondisability groups. Significant differences were found between these two groups for the good/bad and calm/nervous mood dimensions (participants with disabilities responded more positively to the VR experience in these measures). No statistically significant differences were found between the disability versus nondisability groups for the awake/tired mood dimension or for changes of attitudes toward VR technology. VR = virtual reality.