Key Takeaways
- Virtual reality (VR) technology is being used in retirement communities to help older adults connect with each other and reduce social isolation.
- Companies like Rendever and Mynd Immersive are providing VR programming tailored to senior living communities, which can help improve cognitive functions, burnish memories, and foster social connections.
- VR headsets can be an easier way for older people to interact with technology, and can be used to take them on virtual trips to places they’ve never been or revisit childhood memories.
- The technology has the potential to slow down the deleterious effects of dementia and can be a useful tool for caregivers and family members to connect with their loved ones.
- Researchers and experts believe that VR technology can be a valuable addition to other activities, but caution against too much screen time and emphasize the importance of using it with meaning and purpose.
Introduction to Virtual Reality in Retirement Communities
Virtual reality technology is being used in retirement communities to help older adults connect with each other and reduce social isolation. The Terraces, a retirement community in Los Gatos, California, is one such community that has implemented VR technology to provide its residents with a unique and engaging experience. The community uses VR headsets to take residents on virtual trips to different parts of the world, including Europe, the ocean depths, and even on breathtaking hang-gliding expeditions. The VR programming is curated by Rendever, a company that specializes in providing VR experiences for senior living communities.
The Benefits of Virtual Reality for Older Adults
The use of VR technology in retirement communities has been shown to have numerous benefits for older adults. It can help improve cognitive functions, burnish memories, and foster social connections with fellow residents and family members. The technology can also be used to take older adults on virtual trips to places they’ve never been or revisit childhood memories, which can be a powerful tool for sparking conversations and connections. Researchers and experts believe that VR technology can be a valuable addition to other activities, but caution against too much screen time and emphasize the importance of using it with meaning and purpose.
The Experience of Using Virtual Reality
Residents at The Terraces have reported a range of emotions and reactions when using the VR headsets. Some have expressed excitement and wonder, while others have been more reserved. However, the overall consensus is that the technology provides a unique and engaging experience that can help reduce social isolation and improve cognitive functions. For example, 81-year-old Ginny Baird exclaimed, "We got to go underwater and didn’t even have to hold our breath!" after a virtual experience of swimming with dolphins. Another resident, Sue Livingstone, 84, reported that a virtual trip to her childhood neighborhood in New York City’s Queens borough brought back fond memories and helped her connect with other residents.
The Potential of Virtual Reality to Slow Down Dementia
VR technology is also being used to potentially slow down the deleterious effects of dementia. The Forum, another Silicon Valley retirement village, uses VR programming as a tool to help residents with dementia. For example, Bob Rogallo, a resident with dementia, seemed to be enjoying a virtual hike through Glacier National Park in Montana, nodding and smiling as he celebrated his 83rd birthday with his wife. His wife, Sallie, reported that the experience brought back fond memories of their visits to the park during their more than 30 years of traveling together.
The Future of Virtual Reality in Retirement Communities
The use of VR technology in retirement communities is a growing trend, with companies like Rendever and Mynd Immersive providing tailored programming for senior living communities. Researchers and experts believe that the technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we care for older adults, providing them with engaging and meaningful experiences that can help improve cognitive functions, reduce social isolation, and slow down the effects of dementia. As the technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it is used to improve the lives of older adults and provide them with a higher quality of life.
