Positive mood induction procedures for virtual environments designed for elderly people

Positive emotions have a significant influence on mental and physical health. Their role in the elderly’s wellbeing has been established in numerous studies. It is therefore worthwhile to explore ways in which elderly people can increase the number of positive experiences in their daily lives. This paper describes two Virtual Environments (VEs) that were used as mood induction procedures (MIPs) for this population. In addition, the VEs’ efficacy at increasing joy and relaxation in elderly users is analyzed. The VEs contain exercises for generating positive-autobiographic memories, mindfulness and slow breathing rhythms. The total sample comprised 18 participants over 55 years old who used the VEs on two occasions. Twelve of them used the joy environment, while 16 used the relaxation environment. Moods before and after each session were assessed using Visual Analogical Scales. After using both VEs, results indicated significant increases in joy and relaxation and significant decreases in sadness and anxiety. The participants also indicated low levels of difficulty of use and high levels of satisfaction and sense of presence. Hence, the VEs demonstrate their usefulness at promoting positive affects and enhancing the wellbeing of elderly people.

► We designed two Virtual Environment (VE) to train positive emotions (relax and joy) in elderly people.
► We evaluated the efficacy of this VE in mood state, levels of satisfaction, difficulty and sense of presence.
► Elderly people increased their mood state, low levels of difficulty, high levels of satisfaction and sense of presence.
► This tool could be useful at promoting positive affects and enhancing the wellbeing of elderly people.