Abstract

This master’s project is driven by the compelling motivation to address the profound impact of social isolation on senior citizens, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pre-existing challenges in healthcare, particularly the growing nursing shortage and time constraints affecting dignified care in retirement homes. In response to these critical issues, the project aims to pioneer the development of an exceptionally realistic virtual travel experience, redefining the boundaries of immersion by engaging not only sight and sound but also touch, smell, and the tactile sensation of wind simulation. The central aim is to create a multisensorial virtual environment that authentically replicates natural places, offering senior citizens an unparalleled escape from social isolation and a novel therapeutic intervention. The immersive experience goes beyond traditional visual and auditory stimuli, seeking to captivate users through a holistic encounter that engages all their senses. This innovative approach is motivated by a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the elderly, particularly the impact of loneliness on mental well-being and physical health. The project also involves the incorporation of virtual animals to simulate therapeutic interactions akin to animal therapy, addressing the emotional and social needs of senior citizens. The objective is to engineer realistic and natural behaviors of these virtual creatures, fostering a sense of connection and companionship for the elderly. A key focus is on enabling senior citizens to interact with these virtual animals in a tangible manner, allowing them to touch and feel the presence of these digital companions.

Results/Implementation/Project Description

Conclusion

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