Conceptual Design of an Extended Reality Exercise Game for the Elderly

Facing the increasingly serious ageing problem, IT technology is being applied more and more to alleviate the increasing health demands of the elderly. Virtual reality (VR) games, in particular, have been shown to benefit the physical and mental health of the elderly. However, almost all consumer-level VR games address the general user, not considering the characteristics of the elderly, such as their particular needs regarding cognitive aspects and safety. In addition, the existing VR rowing games' research typically focuses on athlete training or is based on a rowing machine. Extending on previous research, this paper proposes a conceptual design of a VR rowing game, VRrowing to provide a home exercise game for the elderly which benefits both physical and mental health. This research first analysed the relevant literature and existing VR exercise games for the elderly to find characteristics and their particular needs. Then, following design principles (in exercise games, human-computer interaction, and user interfaces (UIs)) for the elderly, this study proposed a conceptual design of VRrowing through the MDA framework (standing for mechanics, dynamics, and aesthetics). The results cover the system architecture, activities and tasks, patterns and roles, mechanics and structures, and UI examples. Based on comprehensive consideration of the results from relevant research and fostering strengths and circumventing weaknesses, VRrowing was designed as a sports game, aimed at the elderly according to their characteristics and needs, which fills the void of home VR rowing games for seniors' exercise. This research has reference value for scientific research or development personnel in VR game applications and evaluations, especially for such games targeting the elderly.

Automated summary

In response to the serious issue of aging, IT technology is increasingly used to meet the growing health demands of the elderly. Virtual reality (VR) games, in particular, have been proven to have physical and mental health benefits for the elderly. However, most consumer-level VR games do not consider the specific needs and characteristics of the elderly. This research proposes a conceptual design for a VR rowing game, VRrowing, specifically designed to provide exercise for the elderly and improve their physical and mental health. The research analyzes existing VR exercise games and incorporates design principles to create a game that fills the gap in home VR rowing games for seniors.