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Exploring the potential of social virtual reality (social-VR) for the elderly well-being: A study on user acceptance
Date Issued
2025
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
ISBN
9789819611539
9789819611546
Citation
Lau, K. W., & Wong, Yuk, S. L. (2025). Exploring the potential of social virtual reality (social-VR) for the elderly well-being: A study on user acceptance. In Nakamatsu, K., Kountcheva, R., & Patnaik, S. (Eds.). Recent trends of AI technologies and virtual reality. 8th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality, Fukuoka, Japan (pp. 221-229). Springer Nature Singapore.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
As our society experiences a significant demographic shift towards an aging population, it becomes crucial to thoroughly examine the quality of life for the elderly. Recent research has indicated that virtual reality (VR) holds promise in enhancing their well-being. In today's world, technology-mediated communication plays a vital role in fostering social connections. VR technologies, specifically social virtual reality (Social-VR), provide platforms that bring users together in simulated VR environments, facilitating socialization. Contrary to common misconceptions, the elderly have shown remarkable engagement with VR, displaying enthusiasm and enjoyment. This research aims to further enhance the well-being of the elderly by comprehensively understanding their user acceptance of using Social-VR for social interactions. The findings shed light on the strong influence of the Use of Context (UC) on the perceived ease of use, indicating that Social-VR eliminates the need for in-person conversations and enables virtual communication and activities among friends. However, it is worth noting that the adoption rate among the elderly participants remains relatively low. As such, interaction designers and academics should emphasize the importance of human–computer interaction (HCI) in developing these applications, ensuring they cater to the unique needs and preferences of the elderly population.
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