Effects of Virtual Reality Meditation in Older Adults

Effects of Virtual Reality Meditation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Virtual reality (VR) allows users to interact within a simulated environment using electronic devices such as a VR headset or goggles. Multiple studies with younger adults have demonstrated that VR meditation can be an important tool in reducing stress, however, this has not been studied in older adults. In this study, the investigators aim to assess the effects of a 4-week program of 15-minutes sessions, twice per week of meditation delivered through VR with the aim of evaluating its impact on stress in older adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Living in the Greater Montreal area and able to speak English or French
• Perceived Stress Score (PSS)equal or greater than 10
• Over >=60 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of epilepsy, schizophrenia, brain tumor
• History of recurrent migraines or seizures or TBI in the past year
• Substance use disorders in the last year
• Psychiatric hospitalizations in the last year.
• Acute psychotic symptoms
• Acute suicidal ideation or intent
• Glaucoma
• PTSD
• Changes to psychoactive medications in the past 4 weeks
• Alcohol, caffeine or cannabis consumption within 24 hr before the session, or nicotine consumption within 15 min of the session
• Important hearing impairment
• Recovery phase of any eye surgery