VR Storytelling
Designing Virtual Reality Storytelling for Older Adults to overcome Social Isolation
Amna Azhar
Welcome to my Exhibit!
Hello! Thank you for coming to my exhibit. I am Amna, a software developer by profession. As a graduate student in Inclusive Design, I am interested in doing multidisciplinary projects for the design and development of novel software and hardware applications focused on assistive and rehabilitation technologies. My research focuses on designing an immersive experience for older adults where they are able to share their life stories and communicate with others to stay socially engaged in life.
Direct Access
- Clone the git repository.
- Check out the demo.
Introduction
Social isolation is commonly defined as a low quantity and quality of contact with others, and includes “number of contacts, feeling of belonging, fulfilling relationships, engagement with others, and quality of network members” [1]. Socially isolated persons lack social contacts, social roles and mutually rewarding relationships [2]. Older adults can suffer from social isolation due to several reasons such as their lack of mobility due to physical constraints, financial reasons or other; shrinking social network limiting to only close friends and family; and relocating to nursing homes away from family members, etc. It is important to provide opportunities where older adults can share their experiences, make connections, share cultural knowledge and oral traditions across generations, and build relationships with others in a positive and more supportive social environment. Storytelling is the oldest form of communication and conversational storytelling is known to encourage participation. My research looks into how we can leverage the engagement and immersion that VR offers and combine it with storytelling to develop a social experience for older adults to communicate and connect with others.
Motivation
Canada’s population is aging rapidly as a growing proportion of baby boomers transition into their senior years. In 2015, for the first time, the number of persons aged 65 years and older exceeded the number of children aged 0 to 14 years. At the same time, as per the report of National Seniors Council, the growth rate of the population aged 65 years and older was 3.5% – approximately four times the growth rate of the total population. Given the growing population of elderly, it is significantly important to evaluate the social impact of researching and improving the quality of life for older adults. Research shows it has a positive social impact on stakeholders and creates economic and social benefits. Happiness and wellness of adults is elemental to family members and promotes healthier relations. In a nursing home, happier residents translate to job satisfaction for staff members reflecting to fulfillment and decline in turn over. Healthy aging society means the government will see a decline in expenses on healthcare and social services for older