Application of Virtual Reality in Empathy Training for Elderly Care Personnel

As the aging population continues to grow, the demand for elderly care personnel has significantly increased. Establishing effective training models for these caregivers is a critical step in realizing an active aging strategy. Traditional training methods are costly, limited, and vary in educational quality. Virtual reality (VR) technology, due to its spatial and temporal flexibility and cost-effective simulation capabilities, has rapidly evolved in the healthcare and education field. This study introduces empathy design theory into the development of virtual simulation systems for elderly care, defining a potential framework for empathy training among elderly care personnel. Based on Daniel Goleman and Paul Ekman’s “Three Types of Empathy” theory, this framework categorizes empathy training strategies in virtual simulation systems into three levels: Cognitive Empathy intervention, Emotional Empathy intervention, and Compassionate Empathy intervention. By combining traditional empathy training practices, the specific methods for each type of empathy intervention are elucidated. This research offers new insights into the application of VR technology in the elderly health industry, delivering substantial value to both the geriatric and digital technology sectors.