Boosting Hydration Habits in Older Adults with Augmented Reality
Dec 05, 2023
Imagine 78-year-old Martha, who often forgets to drink enough water throughout the day—a common issue that worries her family. However, everything changed when her granddaughter introduced her to an AR app to track her water intake. Now, Martha delights in seeing her virtual garden thrive as she meets her daily water goals. This simple yet innovative technology has improved her hydration and brought a newfound sense of joy and accomplishment to her daily routine.
Staying hydrated, a seemingly straightforward task, can be a significant challenge for older adults. With diminished thirst sensation and the effects of medications, dehydration often becomes a serious health risk (Taylor & Jones, 2021). But an unexpected solution is making waves: augmented reality (AR) apps. These tools combine fun and functionality to promote hydration, improving health outcomes for our aging population.
How AR Transforms Hydration Habits
AR technology goes beyond gaming, blending the digital and tangible to create immersive experiences that positively influence behavior. According to Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, our actions are shaped by our beliefs and anticipated outcomes (Bandura, 1997). For older adults, when the health benefits of hydration are visually reinforced by AR apps, they are more likely to stay motivated and stick to healthy habits.
The Power of AR and Behavioral Change
Integrating Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory with broader models like the Health Action Process Approach (Schwarzer, 2008), AR apps work by influencing actions through intentions, attitudes, and perceived benefits. When older adults see the direct benefits of their water intake—like watching a digital garden thrive—they’re more inclined to keep up the habit.
Case in Point: Plant Nanny2
Plant Nanny2 is more than a hydration tracker; it’s a digital companion that connects action with immediate visual rewards. As users log their water intake, their virtual plants flourish, offering both a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. This combination of self-efficacy and anticipated outcomes makes the app a powerful tool for reinforcing hydration habits (FourDesire, n.d.).
Each sip translates into plant growth, turning hydration into a game of nurturing life. For Martha and others like her, it’s more than just tracking water—it’s a daily reminder of self-care and personal responsibility.
AR’s Impact Beyond the Virtual World
What’s remarkable about these apps is how their influence often extends beyond the screen. As older adults gain confidence in maintaining healthy habits like hydration, they often become examples for others, showing that age is not a barrier to embracing new technology (Lee et al., 2019).
However, these tools also present opportunities for further research. For instance, how does inaccurate input affect user behavior or self-perception? Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing apps that not only engage but also foster accountability.
AR for Health and Well-Being: A Growing Frontier
AR apps like Plant Nanny2 are more than playful tools—they’re catalysts for healthier living. By blending visual rewards with behavioral science, these apps engage users emotionally and cognitively. For older adults, AR offers a fresh approach to health management, merging enjoyment with essential self-care routines.
From Insight to Action 💡
Harnessing the sensory power of AR, professionals across fields can create experiences that not only promote well-being but also engage and motivate through interactive visuals and touch. Here’s how:
For Individuals
- Discover AR for Personal Health: Use AR apps like Plant Nanny2 to turn everyday health routines into engaging experiences. Don’t stop at hydration—explore AR apps for mental health, fitness, and medication management to make wellness a more enjoyable part of your day.
For Storytellers and Content Creators
- Leverage AR in Entertainment: Go beyond traditional media by integrating AR into storytelling that promotes health. Develop content that merges entertainment with education, creating interactive stories that engage users while reinforcing positive habits.
For Therapists and Counselors
- Integrate AR into Therapy: Use AR-based apps to help clients manage health goals such as hydration, fitness, or relaxation. The immersive nature of AR can enhance engagement, making it easier for clients to track and maintain positive health behaviors.
For Educators
- Incorporate AR into Health Education: Use AR technology in health education to make learning more interactive. Whether for older adults or younger students, AR can turn abstract health concepts into tangible, sensory experiences that deepen understanding and commitment to healthy behaviors.
For Community Leaders and Organizations
- Advocate for AR in Community Settings: Partner with community centers to introduce AR health tools to older adults. Workshops that demystify technology can encourage adoption and help older individuals stay connected and engaged with their health.
For Researchers and Developers
- Contribute to AR Health Innovation: Collaborate across disciplines to study the psychological impact of AR apps on health behaviors. By continuing to refine user experience and behavioral outcomes, we can expand AR’s role in promoting healthy aging and well-being.
By embracing AR’s sensory potential, we can transform daily health routines into engaging, immersive experiences that drive real behavioral change. These tools are not just about tracking habits—they’re about creating a journey of self-discovery, connection, and improved well-being.
References
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. New York: Freeman.
FourDesire. (n.d.) Plant Nanny is Back. https://making-of.plantnanny.app/
Lee, NL, Kim, MJ, and Hwang, WJ. (2019). Potential of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technologies to Promote Well-being in Older Adults. Applied Sciences 9, no. 17: 3556. https://doi.org/10.3390/app9173556
Schwarzer, R. (2008). Modeling Health Behavior Change: How to Predict and Modify the Adoption and Maintenance of Health Behaviors. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 57, 1-29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1464-0597.2007.00325.x