We can all agree there are things about all the new technology we like and things we don’t. And a lot of the older generation haven’t been able to adapt with the speed of how all this technology rapidly changes. Sometimes you don’t have to know much about high tech to enjoy its benefits.
We can also all agree traveling has gotten much more difficult over the years. And for many of the elderly (and not necessarily just the elderly) travel is nearly impossible for variety or reasons.
However, there are other ways to see the world, and you don’t have to leave your couch or your comfort zone to do it. Virtual Reality (VR); it can take you anywhere. I recently had the chance to experience a trip to Ireland, Scotland and Hawaii, not to mention swimming with the dolphins at the Friendship House in Solvang. I did so with about thirty of my friends.
Stephen Jones, Ph.D. and owner of VistingVR.com brought 25 VR glasses and distributed them among the residents. Steve visits some 20 different retirement homes and various senior communities throughout Santa Barbara and Solvang.
Steve just doesn’t put on the glasses and sit back. As Steve says, “You’ll never journey alone. Every visit is led by an in-person guide who’ll be there to share the experience right alongside you.”
It was moving to witness once the “show” started. The smiles that formed on the faces as the residents started to gently spin their heads around to take it all in. It’s very realistic and encompasses your entire field of vision. It’s enthralling and the residents made comments like, “Colors are so nice,” “I can see everything.” And when asked had they ever been diving before they said, “It’s so beautiful,” “I don’t have to hold my breath.”
From the TV screen you can watch what the residents are watching and listen to the wows, oohs and aahs as dolphins swim all around them. The benefits of VR for dementia patients can also be much more than going on a journey to places they’ve never been or even places they have. It can recall memories of those travels.
VR can spark more interaction and socializing with their fellow residents of family. It can be another way to keep the mind more active. And there’s no question it delivers a lifting of the spirits when you see the grins on the faces below the large white goggles. No words need to be spoken.
The calming effect of VR can also help with anxiety and that in turn lowers stress. And all by sitting comfortably in your safe environment while slipping into another land.
Many seniors and dementia patients are confined to their rooms or inside the grounds of a facility. They see the same thing every day. VR allows a safe and stress-free way to break from the confines of their everyday surroundings. And it’s fun.
Though technology is accelerating rapidly and with all the talk of AI taking over so much of our lives, immersing yourself with elephants in Africa or rising to the top of the Eiffel Tower is a great way to allow the mind to wander and relax. And you don’t have to fight the hassle at the airport.