Impact of indoor spatial elements on healthy aging: Physiological and psychological assessment of virtual dining spaces for older adults

Abstract

Nutritional intake is a critical aspect of promoting healthy aging. Previous research suggested that built environments may influence the dietary habits of older adults. This study investigated the physiological and psychological changes in older adults within different dining environments. Two virtual dining spaces, incorporating both preferred and non-preferred spatial elements identified through a semantic differential scale questionnaire completed by 275 respondents, were created. Subsequently, 36 older adults participated in a virtual reality (VR) experiment. Heart rate variability (HRV) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) was administered during the VR experience. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and mixed-design ANOVA. The findings indicated that indoor spatial elements, such as color, ceiling, biophilic design, and furniture arrangements, significantly impacted physiological and psychological outcomes. Older adults exhibited higher HRV and lower anxiety levels in their preferred dining space. Notably, participants who first experienced the preferred environment appeared to maintain more stable physiological and psychological responses when subsequently exposed to the non-preferred setting. These findings highlight the importance of designing dining spaces that promote emotional and physiological well-being, offering valuable insights for creating supportive environments for aging populations.