Immersive Green Space and Emotional Benefits for Older People Living in Residential Care Homes for Elderly (RCHES)
2024
Virtual Gardens Improve Emotional Health for Elderly in Care Homes
Sample size: 18
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Yung Hiu Kwan, Ogungbile Adedayo, Ohene Eric, Fan Yujun, Wang Siqiang, Yim Cynthia
Primary Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hypothesis
Can a virtual garden simulate the therapeutic effects of physical gardens for elderly residents in care homes?
Conclusion
The virtual garden helps older people feel more relaxed and evokes nostalgic feelings.
Supporting Evidence
- Natural gardens are beneficial to psychological and social well-being.
- The study used a portable Cave Automatic Virtual Environment to simulate gardens.
- Participants reported feeling more relaxed after experiencing the virtual garden.
Takeaway
This study shows that using virtual gardens can make elderly people feel happier and less stressed.
Methodology
Participants experienced virtual gardens bi-weekly for two months, with surveys and wearable sensors used to measure emotional responses.
Participant Demographics
Elderly residents living in residential care homes in Hong Kong.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website