Using virtual reality urban greenness with peer support to reduce stress and enhance social connection in older adults with mild depression: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Virtual reality (VR) urban greenspace (UGS) presents an innovative strategy to enhance the mental well-being of older individuals in urban environments. However, knowledge regarding the design of VR UGS interventions to effectively reduce stress among older adults while fostering social connections remains unclear. We conducted a 3-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a social prescribing model in reducing stress and enhancing social connection among older people with mild depressive symptoms.

Research design and methods

The 3-arm cluster-randomized controlled trial (25 participants per arm) consisted of VRUGS without peer support (VRUGS), VRUGS with peer support (VRUGS-PS), and a control group (CG; non-biophilic

SUBMITTER: Lu S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13310460 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature