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Crossing the digital frontier: are older adults ready for virtual reality workouts?

2024; Frontiers Media; Volume: 12; Linguagem: Inglês

10.3389/fpubh.2024.1324004

2296-2565

André Ramalho, Pedro Duarte‐Mendes, Rui Paulo, João Serrano, João Petrica,

Technology Use by Older Adults

In the dynamic web of our digital age, virtual reality (VR) is crystallizing as a promising medium for promoting physical activity in older adults, overcoming age-old barriers. This perspective article explores the intricate synergy between VR and physical activity in older adults and highlights the many challenges of aging within a virtual environment. While VR heralds the potential for multisensory interaction and cognitive enhancement, a thorough assessment of its impact is paramount. The reach of VR goes beyond immediate applications and permeates the emotional and psychological realms of the human journey. Such an exploration requires a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond a purely technical assessment. The aim of this article is not to present clear-cut solutions, but to encourage reflection on the diverse impact of VR on our aging population. We argue for a future in which technology complements, rather than eclipses, the depth of human experience.