Virtual Embodied Reminiscence Therapy in Extended Reality

Introduction

VERTEX is a proof of concept project that aims to use virtual reality (VR) to improve the well-being of older adults. The project is based on the idea that psychological factors play a key role in age-related deterioration and that older adults' attitudes towards aging may be a significant predictor of physical and cognitive frailty.

Project Goals

Participants will experience scenarios and events from their youth, such as being in a 1970s living room. They will be transported to memorable historical events from the time of their youth, such as famous concerts. The project aims to evaluate the effects of this experience on aging and provide evidence for the benefits of such an intervention, with the goal of supporting a spin-off.

Project Stages

The project will involve several stages:

1. Further implementation of the VR application continuing from results of an experimental study in the associated Advanced Grant MoTIVE.
2. Carrying out a further experimental study based on the new application.
3. Rollout of the application to community centres, providing opportunities for many people to experience this in institutional settings.
4. Rollout to individuals to use in their homes on a loan basis.

Stakeholder Engagement

Focus groups with stakeholders such as community centre managers will be carried out to assess the potential of the introduction of the VERTEX system as part of what can be offered to clientele.

Business and Regulatory Considerations

The business opportunity and regulatory framework will be investigated. All this information will be used to create a business plan that will make the case for investment to take the project forward in a spin-off to make VERTEX available on a large scale.