Beyond Game Playing: Benefits of virtual reality for seniors
Have you seen people wearing virtual reality (VR) glasses which allow them to leave the real world and become immersed in a separate universe? Although initially developed for entertainment in movies and video games, many more uses have been developed, for example, in training with flight simulators, medical and surgical procedures, therapy for anxiety treatment and physical rehabilitation and education.
Learn more about the benefits of VR for seniors and enjoy reading about personal and professional uses with guest author, Barry Pendergast.
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that immerses the user in a computer-generated environment which simulates real-world or imagined spaces. Users can interact with a 3D world as if they are physically present within it.
VR requires the use of specialized equipment like VR headsets, motion controllers and/or
haptic feedback devices. You have used 'haptic technology if you have a smartphone or touchscreen device.
The essence of VR is creating a sense or the feeling that one is truly inside a ‘virtual’ environment. Beyond entertainment, one of the notable features of VR is its ability to ‘transport’ users to scenarios that would be difficult, dangerous, or expensive to replicate in real life. It is this feature which has led to applications in healthcare, particularly for seniors.
How Can VR Enhance the Lives of Seniors?
VR has the potential to enhance the lives of seniors in several ways:
- foster social engagement
- reduce social isolation and the potential for loneliness
- improve mental and emotional well-being
- provide cognitive stimulation and cognitive rehabilitation
- provide opportunities for physical rehabilitation and mobility training
- prevent falls by improving balance and coordination
In this interview guest author, Barry Pendergast, describes his personal experiences with many of these outcomes for himself and others.
Interview with Barry Pendergast
(Maureen Osis, Blog Post Author) Barry, I know that you are an enthusiastic adopter of VR technology. When did you first learn about and start using VR?
When I retired from my architectural practice in 2008 I continued some consulting on design and urban planning projects using my skills in conventional three-dimensional graphics. I was reasonably physically active. I enjoyed hiking, skiing, racing my catamaran and, as an early adopter of digital cameras, photography. I’ve always been curious about what new technologies might offer in the design process. Over the years I had experimented with 3D photography using simple stereoscopic viewers including anaglyph glasses, which overlap left and right images that the brain then fuses into an image with depth. I also explored using early examples of Apple iPhone’s augmented reality system where an object like an animated plane could appear to be flown around a physical room. I was curious about what full immersion could offer, using virtual reality. Was it all hype?
In 2014 I was approached by the Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary (AAFS) to develop preliminary design concepts for a new meeting place. They needed more space and programs to help families cope with Asperger’s and autism. Somewhat rashly I suggested we might use virtual reality, not really having a clue where to start. Not much information was available. Fortunately, I was able to borrow an early Oculus virtual reality Head Mounted Display (HMD-VR) with dual eye positions to start exploring how to convert the 3D architectural concept files into the necessary format for the HMD-VR to read and view. It required a lot of experimentation because there was not a lot of information available to draw on. However, with support and encouragement from AAFS it became apparent this approach offered not only a full 360-degree view but also was fully stereoscopic, providing a high sense of immersion. We were able to take the design concept on the road to a number of events which generated a lot of interest. Perhaps the curiosity around virtual reality was partially responsible. The most important result was a significant start was made with fundraising for the new facility. We also did some early exploration of how this technology might help AAFS in their educational program with their client group.
The major drawback was the need to cable connect the HMD-VR to a powerful computer together with two external sensors to correctly position the viewer and two hand controllers in 3D space. This restricted portability and the amount of floor space that could be used. Additionally, the need for a ‘guardian’ system to prevent hitting walls or tripping into objects at low level was not fully developed.
Much later in 2024 I reconnected with AAFS and found they had been able to proceed with the design of a new facility and construction was underway above a local shopping centre. With the considerable improvements in HMD-VR design - improved graphics, full surround sound and no need for connection to a computer and full wireless connectivity, we were able to construct a fully immersive photorealistic model that is available on-line. Now clients can connect with staff and other clients without actually visiting the building. (See Photo)
Screenshot of VR Model of new facility for AAFS
I have read that VR has a role in physical rehabilitation and mobility. It can provide a way to exercise in a safe, controlled environment, with benefits of improved balance and coordination. What is your personal experience of using VR as part of your health and wellness lifestyle?
In my personal journey with virtual reality I have tended to use the technology to maintain a reasonable level of physical fitness and cognitive ability as I age. My diagnosis of Parkinson's in May 2020 has made that interest in virtual reality-based exercise even more important. I do credit using VR over the last ten years for allowing me to maintain a reasonable level of balance in a standing position. The addition of
augmented reality in recent years has also helped. While I’m still comfortable standing to use most applications, many can also be used in a sitting position for those who are less mobile.
Barry provided a list of applications that he uses wearing a Meta Quest 3 headset. Virtual Reality Applications (Barry Pendergast)
VR Applications.pdf
We know that many seniors are at risk for cognitive decline. There are studies that suggest engaging with VR can help maintain or even improve cognitive functions such as memory, attention and problem-solving. VR can slow cognitive decline by engaging and challenging the brain. Recently Carewest , a provider of continuing care in five Calgary facilities, implemented a program using the immersive experiences of VR.
From time to time I have been involved in research initiatives to assist those encountering higher levels of dementia. From my earlier experience working in the field of autism I sensed there may be a use for virtual reality to help clients to reconnect with memorable experiences from their past life. I worked with one couple who had travelled widely around the world but now the wife had been living in a secure dementia ward for three years. Initial testing with the husband alone was not fully positive as he experienced some discomfort due to the disorientation and some symptoms of motion sickness not uncommon in first time users. However, we were able to comfortably fit the HMD-VR onto his wife and 'fly her into Sydney Harbour right across and up to the Sydney Opera House.' Her reaction was one of immense delight as she reconnected with a previous memory!
For the CBC News story about Sharon Quinn see Resources.
With this success, we were asked to test the system for a week in the secure ward of a local senior care facility. Clients were invited to drop in and don HMD-VR’s to view a wide selection of material on-line with YouTube VR or from video sequences shot locally. These included scenes from Heritage Park, Calgary Zoo, the Stampede and other older parts of Calgary. Scenes from Gasoline Alley brought back fond memories of automobiles used by parents or riding on some of the fairground rides. In another memorable experience, we placed a client beside the conductor of an orchestra. The client asked where the violin section was and we suggested if she turned her head to the left she would see it. She shared with enthusiasm she had been the lead violinist with a major orchestra in Eastern Canada. Several rewarding conversations took place that week.
Rendever is an application widely used in long-term care facilities. A staff member or volunteer uses a tablet to select topics of interest that are then shared with multiple users wearing VR HMD’s. The same company has partnered with the American Association of Retired Persons to produce a more advanced application called Alcove. This is a more customizable application to make the experience more personal. The latest version is multiuser and gives the sense you are in a comfortable house environment with a living area with a large TV monitor that can display on-line material or personal video experiences. They can include material with full wraparound and stereoscopic content. There are framed photos throughout the house that can be customized from personal collections. There are also several rooms that allow exploration of digital games that can be used to improve cognitive abilities, memory and reactions.
I have been invited to join several research projects as an experienced senior advisor. One with York University is called PrescribingVR. The concept is simple and allows your primary care medical team to give access to well-designed comprehensive virtual reality system that has undergone rigorous testing to cater to a number of ageing issues.
I have also explored the topic of Reminiscence Therapy. This is where physical structures become an integral part of a secure dementia ward. The detailed physical structures give an excellent impression of what one would have encountered and still remember in a typical community centre of the 1950s with shopping, banks and restaurants including content packaging reminiscent of the time. With advances in virtual reality using an application such as Arkio it should be relatively easy to simulate such an experience in a modern HMD-VR.
We know that many older adults face challenges related to social isolation. What are your thoughts about the role of VR in addressing social isolation?
It’s no secret that social isolation is at a crisis level. Evidence links perceived loneliness and social isolation with depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function and accelerated cognitive decline. Not having family members or close friends nearby, loss of a partner, loss of a driving license or convenient transportation, lack of well-run affordable nearby community social activities to keep seniors healthily engaged, all add to the burden of loneliness. It’s too easy just to give up.
Applications like Zoom can only partially fill the gap. The rise in social media groups is evidence that more seniors are turning to virtual reality. One option to combat loneliness has been the availability of affordable HMD-VR’s like the Meta Quest 2, Quest 3 and the more recent and lower cost Quest 3S. Training is relatively straight forward within the HMD-VR using the First Steps application. Lately there is increasing ability to use just hands and fingers to more intuitively navigate complex immersive worlds.
The following have helped to make the experience more stimulating and enjoyable:
- improved graphics quality,
- faster processing speed,
- freedom from cables,
- better guardian systems, and
- augmented reality combined with lower cost.
Perhaps one of the best examples of a comprehensive system for seniors using virtual reality is the
Thrive Pavilion. This app operates like a very comprehensive seniors' facility with every kind of interest included. Worlds can be realistic or total fantasy. Members are represented by a three-dimensional avatar and, as computing power increases, the avatars can become more lifelike. The spatial audio adds to a sense of connectedness. Activities include book and movie groups, travel, cards, chess, coffee groups, tai chi, exercise, mini-golf, craft rooms and even escape rooms, smart trivia and brain games, real VR fishing. To prevent misuse the site is well supervised.
For myself I have been meeting every Friday morning for three years in a virtual conference room with up to sixteen participants ranging in age from 20 to myself at 87. There are educators, researchers, business and other professionals all very interested in using the technology for community benefit. Need help with a new application or subject to explore? I’ve found multiple offers to help. Most importantly there is no sense of ageism or racial barriers. The anticipated merging of artificial intelligence with VR will enable the creation of customized virtual experiences, each tailored to an individual's unique story. Most importantly, VR could serve to bridge the generation gap by enabling shared experiences between older and younger generations.
Many benefits of VR technology are reported for seniors; among these are the fun and engagement of seeking new experiences. Recently, you invited a group of senior friends to experience VR with you at a local exhibit. Can you please tell us about that - what was the reaction? Were there any negative experiences with donning that headset for the first time?
Most of my friends know of my passion for innovative technologies like virtual reality but there is often hesitation to start using advanced technology in one’s later years. Wearing an HMD-VR can be disorientating and uncomfortable.
When the virtual-reality-based 'Horizon of Khufu in Ancient Egypt' exhibit came to the local Chinook Centre, I took the opportunity to invite fellow seniors and colleagues from my Parkinson’s group to experience a unique and immersive world experience. The advertising described the experience as:
“Embark on an immersive journey through space and time to explore Egypt's Giza Pyramid, the resting place of Pharaoh Khufu, constructed over 4,500 years ago in the 4th Dynasty and until now a forbidden realm to the public! The experience allows players to physically move and interact within a shared virtual reality space, providing a deeply emotional and engaging dive into the heart of Egyptian culture."
The experience had the advantages of very comfortable HMD-VR’s, virtual tour guides and a high degree of safety; simply raising a hand would bring an attendant to your side to help. Most seniors did take walking sticks as a precaution because the realism of the graphics made the floor surfaces appear quite uneven even though in reality perfectly level. Some seniors even went twice.
With the reluctance of seniors to travel long distances because of physical constraints or cost, this new approach offers a chance to experience new countries with a high degree of realism.
Summary
As Barry wrote, Virtual Reality has many benefits for seniors. He described his personal use to help him to maintain a reasonable level of fitness and cognitive ability as he copes with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
Because social isolation and loneliness can have serious health consequences for seniors, VR apps may offer an affordable and available antidote.
Caution
If you are curious and would like to experience Virtual Reality, here is a note of caution. Some people have a negative response of feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or off-balance. Consider these suggestions.
Resources
The Growing Use of Virtual Reality in Cognitive Rehabilitation: Fact, Fake or Vision? A Scoping Review.
What are haptics and how do they work?
Virtual Reality WIKIPEDIA
Videos
Video of Barry Pendergast Using Some VR Applications
Virtual reality pilot project allows seniors to escape their dementia. CBC News. Posted Aug 03, 2028
Author Maureen Osis
Maureen retired from her career -- first as a Gerontological Nurse and then a Marriage/Family Therapist in private practice working with mid-life and older adults. Maureen has published numerous articles and books, related to her professions. She is a member of CALL because she is passionate about learning. She is a volunteer with CALL, doing social media and the primary author of the blog, because she likes to face new challenges.
Guest Author Barry Pendergast
Barry Pendergast
Barry is a retired architect living in a house he and his wife Jennifer designed in the community of Oakridge in Calgary. He arrived in Canada in 1972 with his family to represent a UK firm of architects. Throughout his career he has been actively engaged in a wide range residential and urban design projects. Always striving to not let budgets limit design opportunities.
He was a founding member of Horizon Housing, a spin off from Canadian Mental Health, previously held appointments as an adjunct professor at the Faculty of Environmental Design and served for six years on the Senate at the University of Calgary. He has been very active in a number of the housing and development industry initiatives.
In the last ten years he has been actively engaged in research to understand how to creatively utilize advanced technologies like virtual reality in the everyday lives of seniors to help them stay healthy and connected.
Since 2017 has also been passionately engaged in trying to implement the key principles of Age-In-Place and Age Well strategies in his own community and in communities across Calgary. He has lectured widely on the topic.
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