CELEBRATION, Fla. – New studies show some virtual reality programs can enhance a person’s well-being, both physically and mentally.
Through VR experiences that encourage cognitive, physical and social connection, many seniors are combating common issues, such as memory loss, risk of falls and loneliness.
Designed with seniors in mind and available in more than 700 facilities nationwide, Rendever’s virtual activities offer opportunities to reminisce, relax, exercise or even check sightseeing destinations off the bucket list.
At Windsor at Celebration senior living facility, there are weekly travel and meditation VR sessions offered to residents.
In the travel sessions, attendees can virtually travel around the world in one hour, without leaving the comfort of their chairs.
“Oh yes, here we are. We’re at The Sphinx at Giza. Wow!” said Andrea, a resident at Windsor at Celebration. “Well, I never thought I’d get to Egypt, so (now) I’ve been. It was a quick trip. It was wonderful. And not too many tourists. Just us.”
“It’s good mentally just for you to keep your brain active,” said Stan, a resident who regularly attends the VR sessions.
Studies show VR can stimulate brain activity.
For Vera, who is 99, seeing the virtual map of her old neighborhood on the screen helped her recall the previous home address she thought she’d forgotten.
“Oh, look at that. There it is. I can’t see the house,” she said.
In addition to virtual sightseeing, Andrea enjoys the VR meditation sessions as well.
“You can kind of set the tone for your day and center yourself,” she explained.
Life Enrichment Director Tyler Gillson helps plan dozens of senior activities every week at the facility. He says he’s noticed a positive response in residents trying out the virtual reality sessions.
“It is very helpful for the mental awareness and mental health because it brings the group together and they have that shared experience and it just helps brighten their day,” he said.
That’s part of why Stan and his wife, Leslie, come back every week.
“You begin to have memories, and you begin to think and sometimes you wish you could be there a little longer to see more of this or that,” Stan said. “I think it stimulates thinking and, like, we talk about them a lot after.”
“It’s really created a lot of interesting conversations at home and remembering because of our travels,” Leslie said.
By sparking so many memories, conversations and positive feelings, these seniors say virtual reality is giving them a boost in real life.
“I think that you couldn’t help but feel like you’ve experienced something and done something important today,” Andrea said.
Leaders at the community say they’re going to look at possibly adding virtual fitness to the activities offered.
Studies show a lower risk of falls for seniors after using virtual fitness programs. Virtual Reality for Fall Prevention: How? | AlzheimersLab
See the following links for more about the scientific research on the benefits of VR:
