3D VR and Hands-on Horticultural Activities Effects

The Effects of a Combination of 3D Virtual Reality and Hands-on Horticultural Activities on Community-dwelling Older Adults' Mental Health: A Quasi-Experimental Study

This study aimed to explore the effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality (VR) and hands-on horticultural activities on the mental health of community-dwelling older adults.

Aging societies are of public health concern worldwide. It is critical to develop strategies that harness technology to enhance older adults' mental health. This study aimed to explore the effects of a combination of three-dimensional virtual reality (3D VR) and hands-on horticultural activities on the mental health of community-dwelling older adults. Used a quasi-experimental design. A total of 62 community-dwelling older adults were recruited. The members of the experimental group participated in an 8-week intervention program. Participants of both groups completed before-and-after intervention measurements for outcome variables that included perceived self-esteem, depression, isolation, mastery and achievement motives, which were analyzed using the generalized estimating equation (GEE). This study found beneficial effects of a combination of 3D VR and hands-on horticultural activities on community-dwelling older adults' mental health.

Inclusion Criteria:

Intact cognition, possessing the ability to understand verbal meaning and the ability to operate a VR joystick independently.

Exclusion Criteria:

A history of hand dysfunction, severe visual and hearing impairment, being allergic to plants or pollen, and a current illness such as epilepsy or stroke.