Virtual Reality Offers Thrills, Memories to Seniors
LOS GATOS, Calif. (AP) – Like many retirement communities,The Terraces serves as a tranquil refuge for a nucleus of older people who no longer can travel to faraway places or engage in bold adventures.
But they can still be thrust back to their days of wanderlust and thrill-seeking whenever caretakers at the community in Los Gatos, California, schedule a date for residents – many of whom are in their 80s and 90s – to take turns donning virtual reality headsets.
Within a matter of minutes, the headsets can transport them to Europe, immerse them in the ocean depths or send them soaring on breathtaking hang-gliding expeditions while they sit by each other. The selection of VR programming was curated by Rendever, a company that has turned a sometimes isolating form of technology into a catalyst for better cognition and social connections in 800 retirement communities in the United States and Canada.
A group of The Terraces residents who participated in a VR session earlier this year found themselves paddling their arms alongside their chairs as they swam with a pod of dolphins while watching one of Rendever’s 3D programs. “We got to go underwater and didn’t even have to hold our breath!” exclaimed 81-year-old Ginny Baird following the virtual submersion.
During a session featuring a virtual ride in a hot-air balloon, one resident gasped, “oh my god!” Another shuddered, “It’s hard to watch!”
The Rendever technology can also be used to virtually take older adults back to the places where they grew up as children. For some, it will be the first time they’ve seen their hometowns in decades.
A virtual trip to her childhood neighborhood in New York City’s Queens borough helped sell Sue Livingstone, 84, on the merits of the VR technology even though she still is able to get out more often than many residents of The Terraces, which is located in Silicon Valley about 55 miles south of San Francisco.
“It isn’t just about being able to see it again, it’s about all the memories that it brings back,” Livingstone said. “There are a few people living here who never really leave their comfort zones. But if you could entice them to come down to try out a headset, they might find that they really enjoy it.”
Virtual Reality Offers New Experiences and Connection for Seniors
Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a powerful tool to combat social isolation and enhance the quality of life for seniors, offering immersive experiences and fostering intergenerational connections. companies like Rendever and Mynd Immersive are leading the charge, providing VR programming specifically tailored for senior living communities.
Combating Isolation and Fostering Connection
The potential of VR to address the emotional and mental challenges of aging is notable. Kyle Rand, CEO of Rendever, was inspired to co-found the company in 2016 after studying neuroengineering at duke University, driven by a desire to help his own grandmother. Rand emphasizes the fundamental human need for social connection, stating, “A group of elderly residents who don’t really know each other that well can come together, spend 30 minutes in a VR experience together and then find themselves sitting down to have lunch together while continuing a conversation about the experience.” https://www.rendever.com/
This social aspect is a key benefit. VR can bridge generational gaps, as younger family members may connect with older relatives through shared VR experiences. As Rand suggests, it can even lead to surprising moments: “Grandpa is cool!” when grandchildren discover their grandparent’s engagement with the technology.
Beyond Socialization: Potential Therapeutic Benefits
Beyond fostering social connections, VR is being explored as a potential tool to mitigate the effects of cognitive decline. Both Rendever and Dallas-based Mynd Immersive https://myndimmersive.com/ offer programs designed with this in mind.The Forum, a Silicon Valley retirement village, utilizes VR as part of its approach to supporting residents with dementia.
A compelling example comes from Bob Rogallo, a Forum resident living with dementia. During a virtual hike through Glacier National Park in montana on his 83rd birthday, Rogallo, who is nonverbal due to his condition, responded with nods and smiles, sharing the experience with his wife of 61 years. His wife, Sallie Rogallo, noted the experience evoked cherished memories of their past travels.”It made me wish I was 30 years younger so I could do it again,” she said, highlighting VR’s ability to transport individuals to beloved places.
Immersive Experiences Enhance Quality of Life
The VR experiences offered are diverse and engaging. Almut Schultz, a 93-year-old Forum resident, expressed delight while virtually attending a classical music performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado and showed playful interest in a virtual puppy. “That was quite a session we had there,” Schultz remarked with a grin, demonstrating the joy and stimulation VR can provide.
These experiences offer a vital escape from routine and a chance to revisit or explore new environments, enriching the lives of seniors and offering a powerful new avenue for engagement and well-being.
Worth a look