Using Augmented Reality with Older Adults in the Community to Select Design Features for an Age-Friendly Park: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Urban Planning

Background:

• Sedentary behavior is common in older adults, who often underutilize public parks.
• Park designs may not meet older adults' needs, hindering active lifestyles.
• Engaging older adults in park redesign can promote physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) glasses on older adults' balance.
• To evaluate how virtual walls affect older adults' gait in parks.
• To determine older adults' preferences for park features, such as safety barriers.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving ten older adults (average age 68) living near a public park.
• Balance and gait were measured using a force plate and an instrumented mat.
• Participants wore AR and VR glasses, and their responses to different virtual wall designs were recorded.

Main Results:

• Wearing AR glasses increased postural sway by ~25%; VR goggles increased it by ~70% compared to no glasses.
• While not statistically significant due to sample size, these balance changes are clinically relevant.
• Virtual walls did not significantly impact gait; participants preferred transparent walls over solid ones.

Conclusions:

• AR is feasible for older adults in park settings for redesign evaluations.
• VR use significantly impacted balance, while AR had a moderate effect.
• Transparent walls are preferred for separating park trails from roadways.