Exploring The Untapped Potential: A Comprehensive Review of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technologies For Enhancing Wellbeing In Older Adults

The elderly are facing great difficulties with mobility, mental functions, and social life. The technologies of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have the ability to overcome these limitations and improve their general quality of life. Nonetheless, the use of AR and VR tends to ignore this group of individuals, and there is a dearth of research to deal with the unique issues they face when using these devices. In order to engage in the comprehensive analysis of AR and VR applications in older adults, we have created a framework that considers the major factors, including physical, social, and psychological well-being. The critical review showed that the literature is overwhelmingly concerned with improving the physical state of older adults, and much effort is made to improve their psychological state. Fun factors, which are the motivators, are also widely taken into account. Although the problem of social isolation is rather acute, the content created to stimulate the social well-being of older adults is lacking, even though a range of commercial products are available. The current study can be useful as it presents a framework of contextual and evaluative review of AR and VR technologies and ultimately supports the well-being of older adults.