A multi-dimensional approach to evaluate performance of complex daily activities of older adults in a simulated mall

Age-related decline in physiological, physical and cognitive functions as well as disabilities resulting from pathological conditions may interfere with the ability to adapt to the environmental and social demands. It is important to understand and characterize the ways in which these age-related impairments impede the ability of elderly persons to accomplish daily tasks in complex life situations. The purpose of this poster is to present a multi-dimensional approach to assess performance of a simulated complex daily activity of older adults compared to young adults. Six young adults aged 28.2 +/- 4.3 years and seven community dwelling older adults aged 74.3 +/- 5.8 years were tested during a single session. After training on a self-paced treadmill a non-functional simulation to learn how to navigate within the virtual environment (VE), they perform the Virtual Multiple Errands Test (VMET) in a mall simulation. The young adults performed the VMET significantly better than the older group. In contrast, the older group made significantly more stops while performing the VMET, they walked for a greater distance and wandered about more in the VE. The results of this study provide support for the need to use more realistic virtual environments that truly simulate the challenges experienced by people when engaging in functional tasks.