Synergizing physical and cognitive training toward active aging with mixed reality

Abstract

The aging of the global population poses a growing challenge to healthcare systems, as increased longevity is often accompanied by progressive physical and cognitive decline. In the absence of disease-modifying treatments, Active Aging (AA) is promoted as a strategy to preserve autonomy and quality of life through sustained physical, cognitive, and social engagement. While technologies such as extended reality and social robots have already been adopted to support physical training, delivering scalable and engaging cognitive interventions in everyday environments remains an open problem. This paper is grounded in the vision of a holistic Dual-Layer Intervention Framework, in which physical and cognitive training are tightly integrated through embodied interactive systems. Within this broader vision, we present the design and implementation of a Cognitive Intervention Layer based on a large language model–driven conversational agent, deployed on a mixed reality (MR) platform. The proposed solution delivers reminiscence therapy through natural verbal interaction, grounded in the user's physical environment and personal belongings, and is designed to seamlessly interoperate with an existing MR-based Physical Intervention Layer. Preliminary validation through pilot user studies demonstrates the feasibility and usability of the proposed approach, indicating that visually grounded, technology-mediated reminiscence can be effectively integrated into home-based AA routines.