Those who love nature are never alone
24-04-2024
Designing digital nature to improve social wellbeing amongst older adults
On Tuesday 23 April, Josca van Houwelingen's PhD took place at the University of Twente. Somaya Ben Allouch, a lecturer at the research group Digital Life (AUAS) among others, was one of her promoters. The dissertation of Josca testifies to the potential of using digital nature as a complimentary strategy when interactions with outdoor nature become increasingly scarce and difficult due to ageing.
Results of a series of studies, including a rapid literature review, a laboratory experiment with lifelike projections, several surveys among (future) older adults, focus group and interview sessions within care centres with frail older adults, demonstrate the beneficial effects of digital nature on several social wellbeing measures.
Findings of this dissertation contribute to the evidence base regarding nature interaction and its impact on social wellbeing by pinpointing design considerations for digital nature content and by indicating how preferences vary with the level of dependence and mobility restrictions.
Furthermore, these findings shed light on essential nature characteristics and warrant further research and development of digital nature applications for inspiring social connectedness, reducing feelings of loneliness and enhancing overall wellbeing.