Forest therapy using virtual reality in the older population: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Digital Health
• Environmental Psychology

Background:

• Increasing life expectancy necessitates enhanced focus on geriatric mental and physical well-being.
• Bedridden conditions in older adults limit access to nature-based therapies, highlighting a need for alternative interventions.
• Virtual reality (VR) presents a novel approach to bridge the gap in nature exposure for the elderly.

Approach:

• A systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted.
• Searches encompassed EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, and OpenGrey databases.
• Included studies focused on VR forest environments with participants aged 65 and above.

Key Points:

• Seven articles met the inclusion criteria for the review.
• Interventions combined virtual reality technology with simulated forest settings.
• The target population comprised older individuals, with an age threshold of 65 years.

Conclusions:

• VR forest environments show potential for improving mental and physical health in older adults.
• Standardized VR interventions are needed to enhance geriatric care and reduce societal costs.
• Further research is crucial to validate and refine VR-based nature exposure for the elderly.