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Designing Inclusive Virtual Reality: Overcoming Accessibility Barriers for Older Adults

SessionA1: Bridging Aging and Technology: HRI and VR Applications

DescriptionVirtual Reality (VR) holds significant potential to enhance the quality of life for older adults by offering cognitive engagement, physical rehabilitation, and opportunities for social interaction. However, VR adoption among this population is often hindered by design barriers such as complex interfaces, physical exertion, and age-related sensory and cognitive declines. This review examines these challenges and identifies strategies to create more accessible and inclusive VR experiences for older adults. Key design recommendations include ergonomic adjustments, such as positioning interaction targets within the natural field of view and minimizing physical exertion through adjustable interfaces. Simplified user interfaces, auditory feedback, and clear instructional support can reduce cognitive load and improve usability. Moreover, enhancing immersion through realistic VR environments and spatial audio can increase engagement. Hardware considerations like lightweight headsets and haptic feedback contribute to greater comfort and accessibility. Our review also emphasizes the importance of addressing ageism in VR development and encourages a user-centered design approach, where older adults actively contribute to the design process. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to examine the long-term effects of sustained VR engagement on health outcomes, especially for socially isolated individuals or those with mobility limitations, to enhance their quality of life.

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