Mindfulness, nature, and immersive technology in aging: Pathways to psychological well-being and implementation across diverse community and care settings
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods dissertation comprising a pilot randomized controlled trial, systematic scoping review, and cross-sectional mixed-methods survey Open-label Qualitative Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 24 |
| Population | Older adults recruited from retirement homes (Study 1); long-term care staff (Study 3) |
| Dose | 4-week, 8-session |
| Duration | 4-week intervention, 1-month follow-up |
| Measures | stress, mood, coping, well-being, mindfulness, nature connection (self-report measures) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The VR nature-mindfulness program was feasible and acceptable, reducing stress and negative emotions. Mind-body interventions show heterogeneous effects in MCI/dementia, with brief sessions and caregiver involvement improving outcomes. Long-term care staff see VR positively but face barriers like time constraints and resident discomfort. |
Abstract
Background: Rapid demographic aging necessitates innovative solutions to promote well-being in later life. Programs incorporating mindfulness and nature are promising options. Furthermore, immersive virtual reality (VR) can recreate natural environments and guide on-screen mindfulness practice, potentially improving access for older adults with mobility, sensory, or cognitive constraints that limit traditional participation. However, evidence remains limited; further research is needed to clarify how these programs work and what conditions enable sustainable delivery.
Objectives: This dissertation examined factors that support the effective delivery and implementation of mindfulness, nature, and VR-based interventions for older adults’ psychological well-being. Study 1 evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a 4-week, 8-session nature-mindfulness-compassion program using immersive VR (Embodied- and-Embedded-Mindfulness-Compassion-Framework—Virtual-Reality (EEMCF-VR)) for older adults’ mental health. Study 2 was a scoping review on mental health impacts and implementation considerations for mind-body interventions (MBIs) targeting older adults with aging-related mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Study 3 added nuance to findings from Studies 1-2 by exploring long-term care (LTC) staff perspectives on barriers/facilitators to adopting VR programming with residents who require 24/7 assistance-based care.Methods: Study 1 followed a mixed-methods, two-arm, open-label pilot randomized controlled trial design with a convenience sample of 24 older adults, recruited from retirement homes, and assigned to EEMCF-VR (n=12) or a psychoeducational pamphlet control (n=12). Self-report measures (stress, mood, coping, well-being, mindfulness, nature connection) were collected at 4 timepoints (baseline-T1, midpoint-T2, post-program-T3, 1-month follow-up-T4). Program feedback was collected at T3. Study 2 was a systematic scoping review of 98 studies that applied a logic model framework to chart and synthesize data. Finally, Study 3 employed a participatory- action, cross-sectional convergent mixed-methods design and analyzed questionnaires from 16 LTC staff regarding VR use with residents.Results: Study 1 results suggested that EEMCF-VR was feasible and acceptable, with the EEMCF-VR group reporting significantly lower stress and negative emotions at T2 and T4. Qualitative findings underscored perceived benefits and practical refinements (e.g., comfort/ergonomics). Study 2 found heterogeneous mental health outcomes across MBIs. Adaptations associated with improved outcomes in MCI/dementia included brief, simplified sessions and caregiver involvement; recurrent psychosocial mechanisms of change included engagement, group connectedness, and skilled guidance. Barriers to implementation such as cognitive load, and facilitators such as technology-supported reminders were highlighted. Study 3 indicated generally favourable LTC staff attitudes toward VR, but difficulties with ease-of-use and compatibility were noted. Time constraints and resident discomfort were common barriers, while adequate space and resident motivation facilitated use. Four themes emerged from these
Findings: (1) barriers outweighing promise, (2) personalization, (3) enabling environment/organization, and (4) staff ambivalence.Conclusions: Overall, this dissertation clarified factors shaping the effective delivery of mindfulness, nature, and VR-based interventions for older adults across community and residential care settings. Collectively, this work traces a coherent progression, beginning with pilot evidence of feasibility, acceptability and preliminary well-being benefits of VR nature meditation, followed by population-specific adaptations of MBIs for individuals with MCI or dementia, and concluding with the identification of implementation determinants in LTC that support consistent delivery. These results have empirical, clinical, and policy implications for the sustainable implementation of mindfulness and nature-based VR programs targeting psychological well-being in aging.