The Creation of Immersive Travel Experiences and Their Effect on Reducing Social Isolation

There is currently an increasing issue of social isolation and loneliness among older adults which is highly associated with an array of detrimental physical and mental health issues including increased morbidity, cognitive decline, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and Alzheimer's disease. The government faces increasing pressure regarding resources to support health and social care agencies and reduced mobility and inequalities in socio-economic circumstances place pressure on care structures. Moreover, the increasing rate of family dispersal and the growing population of older adults suggests that social isolation and loneliness are likely to become a rising societal challenge over the coming decade. This has been associated with a lack of socialisation and recreational activities in which older adults can engage in as a result of their decreased mobility and narrowing social circles. Studies indicate that a significant reduction in mortality could be achieved through an equal reduction of isolation among older adults.
There has been research which suggests that social connectedness can be improved through immersive recreational experiences. Research suggests immersive recreational experiences possess many of the restorative benefits which authentic engagements with natural surroundings offer, and have the potential to create socially stimulating environments. The purpose of this research is to explore the use of virtual and immersive recreational travel experiences in order to increase socialisation among older adults facing social isolation. To do so, two immersive experiences including one virtual reality (VR) and one multi-sensory simulation experience (MSSE) of holiday destinations will be created and shared with participants. These will afford users, whom may otherwise be largely immobile, to experience a holiday from the comfort of their own home and in the comfort of their peers, whilst increasing their socialisation. Indeed, group activities reduce the social isolation of older adults and improve their cognitive function and quality of life. This research aims to provide a solution to the social isolation experienced among older adults.
This research therefore builds upon the initial premise of authors such as Williams and Hobson (1995) and Cheong (1995) who proposed that VR (and arguably now alternative immersive, mixed reality experiences), provide a substitute to travel itself, and De Greef et al (2016) who suggest immersive telepresence tourism creates opportunities for increased engagement in recreational activities for mobility-restricted participants.
Adopting a four-phased user-centred approach, this research works across three points in the continuum of living conditions, from independent living, living in sheltered accommodation and finally, long-term residential care, to evaluate the opportunities that immersive travel experiences have on facilitating social connectedness and communication for socially isolated members of society. This research adopts a qualitative approach to data collection. In the first phase a series of interviews will take place in order to understand participants travel experiences and desires. Then, the two experiences will be designed using a 360-degree camera in the selected destinations, in partnership with Newmarket Travel. Once developed, these will be demonstrated to participants whom reside in living accommodations associated with social isolation in accordance with the literature. Access will be granted to these individuals through partnership with Age UK. Upon the completion of these immersive workshops users will partake in an informal focus group where they will be asked questions based on their experience, this will be followed up with in-depth interviews.
The fourth phase of this study includes the development of recommendations for adopting immersive travel experiences in residential centred care through the production of reports and delivery of semi