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DTSTAMP:20251016T135126Z
LOCATION:Grand Hall L
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T121000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251014T123000
UID:HFESAM_ASPIRE 2025_sess126_LECT284@linklings.com
SUMMARY:Designing Inclusive Virtual Reality: Overcoming Accessibility Barr
 iers for Older Adults
DESCRIPTION:Pallabi Bhowmick, Dhruti Rajesh, Noah Olivero, and Wendy A. Ro
 gers (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)\n\nVirtual Reality (VR) hol
 ds significant potential to enhance the quality of life for older adults b
 y offering cognitive engagement, physical rehabilitation, and opportunitie
 s for social interaction. However, VR adoption among this population is of
 ten hindered by design barriers such as complex interfaces, physical exert
 ion, and age-related sensory and cognitive declines. This review examines 
 these challenges and identifies strategies to create more accessible and i
 nclusive VR experiences for older adults. Key design recommendations inclu
 de ergonomic adjustments, such as positioning interaction targets within t
 he natural field of view and minimizing physical exertion through adjustab
 le interfaces. Simplified user interfaces, auditory feedback, and clear in
 structional support can reduce cognitive load and improve usability. Moreo
 ver, enhancing immersion through realistic VR environments and spatial aud
 io can increase engagement. Hardware considerations like lightweight heads
 ets and haptic feedback contribute to greater comfort and accessibility. O
 ur review also emphasizes the importance of addressing ageism in VR develo
 pment and encourages a user-centered design approach, where older adults a
 ctively contribute to the design process. Future research should focus on 
 longitudinal studies to examine the long-term effects of sustained VR enga
 gement on health outcomes, especially for socially isolated individuals or
  those with mobility limitations, to enhance their quality of life.\n\nTra
 ck: Age and Ability\n\nSession Chair: Yunmei Liu (University of Louisville
 , MIND x AI Lab)\n\n
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