20.500.12556/DiRROS-31897 From learning to enjoyment virtual reality walking experiences for older adults in long-term care Background and objectives Virtual reality (VR) technologies are increasingly being explored in long-term care (LTC) settings as tools to promote engagement and well-being among older adults, including those with cognitive impairments. However, the usability and accessibility of such technologies remain some critical concerns. This study aimed to examine how older adults in Slovenia adapted to using VR equipment for virtual walking experiences, focusing on their ability to operate the technology and their subjective evaluation of the experience. Method The study involved 31 older adults from two LTC homes in Slovenia who participated in virtual walking sessions using Google Street View, accessed through VR glasses and controlled via a joystick. Researchers observed participants' ability to use the equipment, assessed their cognitive and general health, and collected feedback on their experience via a structured questionnaire. Results Unlike prior studies that focus on VR exposure, our study quantifies learning time and links it to cognitive profiles, proposing a framework for adaptive VR interventions. The results showed that cognitive abilities significantly influenced how quickly participants could navigate the virtual environment, with those possessing higher cognitive abilities adapting more quickly. Although some participants found the navigation challenging, particularly those with dementia, this did not affect their overall enjoyment. Nearly all participants (97%) rated the experience as pleasant, and 74% expressed a desire to repeat it. Discussion and implications The study highlights the strong potential of VR to enhance residents' well-being in LTC homes. However, to ensure accessibility and maximise benefits, varying levels of support and customised technological solutions should be provided based on each resident's health status and cognitive abilities. older adults virtual reality VR glasses Google Maps cognitive abilities virtual walk dementia mišična arhitektura staranje mišična kakovost mišična funkcija true false true Elsevier Inc. Angleški jezik Slovenski jezik © 2026 The Authors Neznano 2026-08-17 10:11:40 2026-08-17 10:11:41 2026-08-18 03:47:57 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2026 0 0 Nasl. z nasl. zaslona; Opis vira z dne 6. 8. 2026; str. 1-9 [article no.] ǂ113237 Vol. 223 2026 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno apc 0000-00-00 0000-00-00 2026-10-01 004.946:364.65-053.9 1873-6815 10.1016/j.exger.2026.113237 287186691 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0531556526002160?via%3Dihub 1 47d7e1c1-9a13-11f1-af5a-001a4af901a5 https://dirros.openscience.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=49602 RAZ_Hafner_Ana_2026.pdf RAZ_Hafner_Ana_2026.pdf 1 C2877A4B2218251A44DECC36CD9BB55C 6aad9d8c461ca0492b8b2f4215af132ccc6928688fea271584a0e449690bce76 221d5288-9a14-11f1-af5a-001a4af901a5 https://dirros.openscience.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=49604 Rudolfovo – Znanstveno in tehnološko središče Novo mesto 0 0 0