Golden Age: Virtual Reality and Mindfulness

Golden Age: Virtual Reality and Mindfulness

The aim of the research is to identify innovative methodologies to improve the psychological well-being of ageing people.

With regard to the objectives of the Golden Age project, a software of Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) for people over 65. The application aims to improve the psychological wellbeing of ageing people, facilitating the removal of barriers that may represent a risk factor with respect to the assumption of a healthy and correct nutrition.

In particular, the elderly will be exposed to naturalistic scenarios in Virtual Reality combined with Mindfulness audio tracks. The practice of Mindfulness in Virtual Reality will be used to prevent and intervene on depressive symptoms, stress and anxiety, which represent the main obstacles to the adoption of healthy behaviours in the elderly person.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Average age over 64
• MMSE between 20 and 30
• Adequate vision and hearing to see scenarios and hear tracks
• sufficient ability to understand procedures and communicate with staff

Exclusion Criteria:

• High levels of depression combined with other psychological risk indices (such as suicidal thoughts)
• Current use of narcotics or substance abuse