Empowering Independent Mobility in Elderly Immigrants: VR-Based Navigation Support
π€ Investigators
- Wei Wang, Research Fellow, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University
- Trung Dung Bui, Research Fellow, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University
- Charmine Hartel, Associate Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University
π Project summary
This project investigates how virtual reality (VR)-based route rehearsal can improve independent mobility for elderly immigrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The project addresses a key gap in current social-inclusion programs: many initiatives assume older adults can already travel confidently to unfamiliar places.
Using an immersive, culturally sensitive design, the project focuses on reducing travel anxiety, increasing familiarity with everyday routes, and strengthening confidence to travel independently.
π Background and motivation
Older immigrants often face mobility barriers caused by language, unfamiliar environments, and age-related sensory changes. These barriers can limit participation in community life, increase social isolation, and increase caregiver burden.
This project positions independent movement as a foundational step toward broader social participation, wellbeing, and equitable service access.
π Year 1 approach (planning phase)
- Focused literature review on mobility barriers, ageing, and culturally responsive VR support.
- Project scoping and research planning with partner team.
- Initial study design and ethics planning.
- Co-design and pilot activities are planned for a later phase, not yet started.
π Longer-term direction
Phase 2 focuses on a scalable caregiver-driven platform for creating and reusing VR rehearsal journeys across diverse communities and care contexts.
π Current progress
The project has just started. Work is currently at planning stage only.
π Outputs
No formal outputs yet.