  Engaging with natural environments and representations of nature has been
shown to improve mood states and reduce cognitive decline in older adults. The
current study evaluated the use of virtual reality (VR) for presenting
immersive 360 degree nature videos and a digitally designed interactive garden
for this purpose. Fifty participants (age 60 plus), with varied cognitive and
physical abilities, were recruited. Data were collected through
pre/post-intervention surveys, standardized observations during the
interventions, and post-intervention semi structured interviews. The results
indicated significant improvements in attitudes toward VR and in some aspects
of mood and engagement. The responses to the environment did not significantly
differ among participants with different cognitive abilities; however, those
with physical disabilities expressed stronger positive reactions on some
metrics compared to participants without disabilities. Almost no negative
impacts (cybersickness, task frustration) were found. In the interviews some
participants expressed resistance to the technology, in particular the digital
garden, indicating that it felt cartoonish or unappealing and that it could not
substitute for real nature. However, the majority felt that the VR experiences
could be a beneficial activity in situations when real-world contact with
nature was not immediately feasible.
