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Supporting self-determination in ageing adults with mild-to-moderate intellectual disabilities through virtual
Izaskun Álvarez-Aguado1,2, Felipe Muñoz La Rivera2,3, Miguel Roselló-Peñaloza1
1Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
Disability and Rehabilitation. Assistive Technology
|April 16, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) use in older adults with intellectual disabilities improved decision-making and confidence. This technology provides safe practice for real-life challenges, enhancing autonomy and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Disability Studies
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Aging populations with intellectual disabilities require enhanced participation and autonomy.
- Limited decision-making opportunities often hinder quality of life in older adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers safe environments for skill rehearsal and confidence building.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a virtual reality program on causal agency and self-determination in older adults with intellectual disabilities.
- To explore how immersive VR experiences influence decision-making, self-regulation, and confidence in this population.
Main Methods:
- A 12-week immersive virtual reality program based on Causal Agency Theory was implemented.
- Participants (n=45, aged 50-78) with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability engaged in structured domestic scenarios.
- Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Participants perceived VR as a space for genuine choice with observable outcomes, fostering planning and learning.
- The VR experience enhanced competence and confidence, with participants viewing skills as transferable.
- Immersive VR facilitated engagement with challenges in a psychologically safe manner, preparing them for daily life and aging.
Conclusions:
- Virtual reality (VR) can foster self-determination in older adults with intellectual disabilities.
- VR supports authentic decision-making, structured self-regulation, and secure engagement with challenging situations.
- Immersive VR offers a promising tool for improving quality of life and promoting agency in later adulthood.
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