Virtual Reality For Senior Citizens, An Untapped Market Getting Recognized.
In an era where technology is predominantly associated with the younger generation, an unlikely group of early adopters is emerging: senior citizens. Virtual Reality (VR), once considered a novelty, is now being used to enhance the lives of seniors across the globe. This blog post explores how VR is transforming the lives of older adults, the recommended VR applications for them, and the future developments in this field.
VR Applications for Senior Citizens
Here are some top-rated VR applications that are particularly suitable for older adults. These applications are all available on Meta, previously known as Oculus, and they showcase the wide range of experiences that VR can offer to seniors.
Zen Zone
Zen Zone is a virtual reality platform that offers calming experiences, including a variety of guided meditations and relaxation techniques. It also features a Zen garden for peaceful contemplation. This app can be a great tool for seniors to manage stress and find enjoyable ways to spend their time.
Appility
Appility is a unique VR application that simulates the experience of living with a disability. This can provide a new perspective for family members of disabled individuals, potentially leading to deeper understanding and more meaningful conversations.
Alcove
Alcove is a social VR platform designed for family interactions. It allows seniors to host or join gatherings with friends and family in a variety of virtual settings, from beaches to snowy mountains. It also offers virtual city tours. This app can help seniors combat loneliness and isolation by facilitating connections and shared experiences with loved ones.
Wander
Wander is a VR app that allows users to virtually travel the world, offering a solution for seniors with limited mobility or travel budgets. Users can visit famous landmarks like Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, and the Taj Mahal, and even explore how these places have changed over time.
National Geographic
The National Geographic VR app offers immersive travel experiences, allowing users to explore unique and interesting places around the world. With 360° videos, users can find themselves swimming with sharks, observing gorillas, or learning about different cultures. This app can satisfy seniors’ thirst for adventure and knowledge.
A short look at the benefits:
Brain Activity: VR can help improve cognitive health in older adults. A study from the University of Maryland reported an 8.8% improvement in accuracy when using VR to learn and retain new information.
Promotion of Movement: VR is interactive and encourages movement. Many older adults, especially those not ambulatory, experience improved physical health due to upper torso, neck, core engagement, and arm movement.
Social Engagement: VR can be used individually or in a group setting, allowing older adults to take virtual field trips to visit new places or experience new activities together.
Educational Opportunities: VR changes the way we learn new things. It provides a new way to connect with the world around us and learn new things.
Evoking the Familiar: For those who experience Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, VR can provide a sense of comfort by evoking memories from the past and feelings of nostalgia.
Pain Management: VR technology can be used to improve medical care. It can ease physical pain and help manage chronic diseases by providing a distraction during medical procedures.
Strengthening Relationships: VR can provide a fun and interactive activity for families to participate in when visiting their loved ones. It helps promote intergenerational connections.
Preventing Social Isolation: VR technology can help combat social isolation by allowing seniors and their families to explore together, helping bridge the physical distance between them.
Conclusion:
Despite the numerous advantages of virtual reality, it’s clear that it cannot substitute genuine, face-to-face interactions. If feelings of isolation or loneliness persist and virtual reality doesn’t seem to provide sufficient relief, it might be worthwhile to explore the option of a senior living community. These communities are specifically designed to cater to the needs of seniors, including the crucial need for meaningful social interactions. With a range of activities such as games, excursions, and social clubs, senior living communities facilitate easy bonding with peers and friends.
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