Though technology is not exactly something that seniors are too fond of, it does offer them a few conveniences. One of the main problems of seniors in the USA is their loneliness. Lack of socialization and isolation leads to depression, and it has been found that people who are more social have a lesser risk of developing dementia-related diseases. Virtual reality is still quite the new kid on the block, but it has been proven that this technology has a lot of potential. Turns out, it is simple enough to be used by seniors and can help them stay better, too. How? Let’s find out!
Reliving Memories
Seniors love to reminisce about their salad days. They have, after all, crossed their primes and hence wants to relive those moments all the time by talking about them. Whether it is their childhood, their kids when they were young, their first job, their first love, their memories make them feel happy and nostalgic. However, even if they are fresh in their minds, it is not possible to go back in time. The next best thing that can be done is to combine Google maps and VR glasses. It will take you back to your hometown, the neighborhood where you stayed, or the school that you went to. It will be just like the old days!
Helping With Anxiety And Depression
Virtual reality is known to have helped seniors come out of depression or lessen their anxiety. Being mobile might be an issue for seniors because of their advanced age or physical limitations. Even if they want to, they are probably forced to stay indoors for health reasons. It can be quite depressing to be cooped up at home all day. Thus, having VR glasses will transport them to places they have never been to and make them feel like traveling while they are still in their homes!
Getting Help from Pain
When you are in pain, it is hard to concentrate. Due to their advanced age, less bone density, and balancing issues, seniors tend to fall often and hurt themselves. Also, weaker joints keep them in a lot of pain. VR can give them some temporary relief. Experiencing a new place, new sounds, and sights will give you some relief from all the pain and will also help you worry less. When you feel as if you’re in a stunning beach in Hawaii, won’t your joint pain become less significant?
Promotes Positivity In Life
It is natural for seniors to dread their life after retirement. It doesn’t seem too exciting when you think of it as a time when you might be forced to stay indoors, without much of social life, and your travels might also get affected for lack of finances and limited mobility. In a study, it was found that seniors thought that the VR experience had a great positive impact on their mental health. Apparently, it made them less worried and more relaxed.
Makes Them More Friendly
As mentioned before, socializing can often be challenging for seniors even if they live together with other people of a similar age group in close quarters like retirement homes. But when they experience VR in a group, they travel together, take part in events together, and feel loved and wanted in a group. It is a great feeling and goes a long way in keeping them happy and positive. It helps them have a sense of purpose even though they are not interacting in real life. No wonder even nursing homes have started using VR for the betterment of their patients!
It is great to see several entrepreneurs and technology companies coming up with various ways to use VR for senior citizens. Rendever, for example, is working relentlessly to convert 360 panoramic pictures. It is working well for them because the co-founders were deeply connected with their grandparents and the urge to do something for people of that age group is huge for them. Moreover, VR can also have brain-stimulating games for aged people. There are even movies where they interact in real time. Good mental health promotes better physical health, and over a period of time, it might bring down your health insurance costs considerably.