Design an Adaptive Virtual Reality Game to Promote Elderly Health
Hsiao-Hui Li, Jian-Jie Lian, Yuan‐Hsun Liao · 2023
The elderly population in cities worldwide is experiencing significant growth each year, primarily due to advancements in medical technology and increased life expectancy. Consequently, the health of the elderly has become a paramount concern. To lead healthy and fulfilling lives, the elderly must engage in more active lifestyles. However, many activities that promote well-being, such as fishing, golfing, or hiking, may be restricted due to dangerous outdoor environments that pose a risk to their safety. This presents a critical challenge that needs to be addressed. To tackle this issue, our research combines two cutting-edge technologies, namely virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI), to develop an adaptive VR game specifically designed for elderly individuals seeking to enhance their overall health. VR, as an innovative electronic device, offers an immersive experience that allows users to engage with 3D 360-degree environments through VR glasses, providing a lifelike sensation. By leveraging the highly interactive nature of VR, users can partake in various movements and activities to effectively promote their health without encountering any physical risks. Furthermore, we have incorporated AI into the game to provide real-time guidance to users and dynamically adjust the game content as needed. This AI integration enables personalized advice based on the user's current situation, allowing the game to adapt to their specific health promotion goals. Through AI's analytical capabilities, the game content can be continuously optimized to better align with the user's objectives and ensure an engaging and effective experience. By combining VR and AI, our research aims to create a safe and immersive virtual environment for elderly individuals, enabling them to actively participate in activities that contribute to their well-being. This novel approach addresses the challenges faced by the elderly in accessing health-promoting activities, providing them with an engaging and personalized means of improving their overall health.