The Role of XR, Spatial, and Physical Interaction in Remote Multimodal Communication: Emotional Well-Being in Older Adults

作者：Dezijian Zhou, Anastasia Globa, Rebecca McLaughlan, Tram Thi Minh Tran, Yi Zhao, Ruo-Xuan Wu, Tianrui Liu, Renxuan Liu, Xingting Wu, Sonja Pedell, Aaron Quigley · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1145/3764687.3767274 · 被引用次数：1 · 研究领域：Technology Use by Older Adults、Innovative Human-Technology Interaction、Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts

As society ages and family structures evolve, many older adults increasingly rely on long-distance social connections. However, traditional methods such as video calls and text messaging often fall short in effectively supporting emotional expression, cognitive engagement, and sustained social participation. Recent technologies, including Extended Reality (XR)-based social platforms, avatar-mediated interactions, and wearable devices, have expanded opportunities for long-distance connections. Yet limited research has explored whether multimodal interactions in XR environments can improve older adults’ emotional well-being. Existing platforms and devices frequently overlook older adults’ specific needs, preferences, and interaction challenges. This half-day workshop invites participants to engage in spatial XR, gestures and haptic experiences, guided by the organisers and experts, to critically reflect on the strengths and limitations of these technologies. Using the scenario of celebrating holidays with distant family or friends, organisers and participants will co-design multimodal communication systems that involve spatial and physical interactions in remote XR environments to support social connectedness and emotional well-being for older adults.