Virtual Reality Role in Enhancing the Elderly’s Quality of Life

Research shows that Virtual Reality (VR) can potentially enhance older people’s quality of life. Additionally, VR therapy has finally received official recognition in the United States as an insurance benefit.

Dr. Laurent Tatu & his team in France conducted a study on the effects of 360-degree video on elderly individuals. These individuals included those that had and did not have cognitive impairments. The study analyzed ten studies that involved 524 older adults aged between 68 and 87. The study assessed the impact of VR on various aspects of their lives, such as social engagement, emotions, anxiety, quality of life, and loneliness.

VR’s Increasing Impact on Healthcare

This study sheds light on the increasing significance of VR in the healthcare industry. The study emphasized the importance of researchers and industry professionals’ collaboration to create new and personalized VR applications for older citizens. Market analysts predict VR’s potential in medicine could be worth billions of dollars. Currently, the industry is using VR as a therapy for anxiety, chronic pain, depression, etc.

Short Trips to Natural VR Environments Offer Benefits for Older Adults

After just a few sessions, the study found that 360-degree VR technology shows promise in improving the well-being of seniors in healthcare settings. The participants reported the VR experience as positive, pleasant, and realistic. Little side effects included motion sickness and dizziness.

One significant finding was that brief visits to natural VR environments, such as forests, parks, and beaches, positively affected emotions and feelings. The study suggests that VR can offer a unique opportunity to help older people overcome social isolation.

The featured image is from arpost.co