Grant: Summer Program in Aging

The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, increasing the necessity for effective interventions targeting the mental health needs of older adults. Technology addressing the aging process of older adults (i.e., gerontechnology) is an avenue for the efficient delivery of programs that enhance older adult well-being. Virtual reality (VR) is a type of gerontechnology with the potential to improve mental health and well-being; however, evidence in this area is currently lacking and more rigorous research on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of mental health programming via VR for older adults, such as nature, mindfulness, or compassion-based interventions, is necessary. The proposed program of research seeks to pilot a 4-week nature-mindfulness-compassion meditation program using a multi-user 360-HD video VR application, "Toujours Dimanche" for older adults with varying levels of autonomy. The first study explores the development, feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of Toujours Dimanche on autonomous older adults' mental health and well-being. The second study explores the impact of Toujours Dimanche modified for use with older adults residing in long-term care centres (CHSLDs) due to significant reductions in autonomy. Feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy will be examined through a mixed-methods longitudinal RCT featuring resident, staff, and caregiver reports. Ultimately, if "Toujours Dimanche" is found to be acceptable and effective for older adults, it will have the potential to promote geriatric mental health utilizing a technology that is accessible, as well as safe.