Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement - CREATE V - Project 1

Summary

Project 1: The goal of this research project is to examine usability and acceptance of virtual reality (VR) applications and their efficacy with older adults. This highly innovative cross-site Stage 1 Intervention Development Project (NIH (National Institutes of Health) Stage Model) will apply the CREATE systematic approach to the design and evaluation of an immersive VR program, Cognitive Activity Social Technology (CAST), for older adults. The program will provide a suite of virtual cognitive, social and activity engagement applications; and allow for virtual interactions.

Interventions

• Project 1 - Phase 2: VR Program for Social, Activity, and Cognitive Engagement · BEHAVIORAL

  The investigators will apply a systematic approach to the design and evaluation of an immersive Cognitive Activity Social Technology (CAST) VR intervention (using the Oculus Quest 2), that provides aging adults a suite of virtual cognitive, social, and activity engagement applications. The program will allow for virtual interactions (one-on one or groups), cultural, creativity, and educational opportunities, and gaming.

• Project 1 - Phase 2: Tablet for Social, Activity, and Cognitive Engagement · BEHAVIORAL

  Participants in the control condition will receive a tablet, internet support for 2 months and training (including training on cybersecurity). This will include instructions for accessing content similar to CAST VR, but in 2-D, so less immersive than that included in the VR program (e.g., virtual museum tours, One click, etc.). Participants will complete all assessments and will be provided with an Android tablet that has a 10.1" display, built in modem, and a front facing camera.

Published eligibility criteria

Verbatim from the registry. Only the site can decide how these apply to a specific patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

* 65+ years of age
* Able to read English at the 6th grade level
* Have 20/60 vision with or without correction.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Blind or have visual impairments that limit their ability to view the technology.
* Deaf or have hearing impairments that limit their ability to answer telephone queries.
* Have a life-limiting/terminal illness
* Severe motor impairment (e.g., severe tremors or debilitating arthritis in their hands) that impairs ability to speak or use dominant hand
* Chronic neck pain/injury that might make the headset uncomfortable

Sites (3)

• Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
• Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York