Summary:
In this paper we have outlined the development of a set of virtual experiences as a tool keeping active the residents in senior facilities. Unlike other technologies, virtual reality (VR) can provide the user with an almost perfect feeling of physical being in an imaginary world or a place representing reality and the user can actively influence the storyline. A quantitative survey among managers of senior facilities and the residents showed that both groups of respondents are interested in this new way of keeping seniors active. As for the content of the virtual reality experience, both group significantly preferred the forest environment and the environment associated with travel. In addition, a survey of residents revealed a strong need for them to be part of the community. To some extent, this need may be met by a suitable virtual environment scenario, but in particular by the possibility to share virtual experiences with others. Keeping seniors active in virtual reality should support social interaction in the senior’s real world and correspond to the framework of activities in the facility.
Keywords: virtual reality, virtual environment, immersivity, interactivity, seniors, keeping active, emotions, needs.
Audiovizuální ukázky výstupů VIREAS
- Virtuální realita vtáhne seniory do děje: na procházku do virtuálního lesa
Virtual reality draws seniors into the action: a walk in the virtual forest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2SIOqL0-7E - Virtuální realita vtáhne seniory do děje: cvičení paměti v centru Českých BudějovicVirtual reality draws seniors into action: memory training in the center of České Budějovice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZPP1P5DvmM - Virtuální realita vtáhne seniory do akce: kdo si všimne palmy v českém lese?
Virtual reality draws seniors into action: who notices palm trees in the Czech forest?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0024ElCAaM - Virtuální realita vtáhne seniory do děje: z virtuálního nádraží do Jižních Čech a do Rakouska
Virtual reality draws seniors into the action: from the virtual train station across South Bohemia and Austria
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUP5ZfGps-I&t=4s