Evaluation of a Program to Improve the Life Quality of Elderly

The Influence of Using Virtual Reality Glasses on the Quality of Life of the Elderly

Older people belong to an age group that has been increasing in recent decades, leading to a progressive ageing of the population. With the aim of reducing the generational digital divide, the use of technology in retirement homes was proposed. To this end, virtual reality glasses were used to allow the visualization of an external virtual world and, subsequently, it was evaluated whether their application improved the quality of life of the elderly by reducing the difficulties they have in participating in recreational activities outside these centers. A prospective quasi-experimental longitudinal study was carried out in the centers belonging to the basic health area of Valls, with a study period from May 2023 to March 2024. Quality of life was measured using the ad hoc "Escala de Calidad de Vida Rivas-Bordas".

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 65 or older.
• Resident of a geriatric home in the Valls area.
• Individuals with slight, moderate, fair, or total impairment of social resources, as assessed by the Duke University Center (1978) Social Resources Scale (OARS).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with a history of frequent migraines or motion sickness.
• Individuals with moderate or severe cognitive impairment (≥ 5 errors on the Abbreviated Pfeiffer test).
• Inability to communicate in Spanish and/or Catalan.
• Individuals with advanced visual and/or hearing impairments.