The Role of Virtual Reality
What is Virtual Reality (VR)?
Virtual reality (VR) technology transports users of all ages to various visually stunning & mentally stimulating environments. Take a walk along the beach, explore an art museum, or travel around the world. With virtual reality, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
How does it work? Take a step into a different destination with our goggle-like display system, which completely covers the eyes and immerses the wearer. VR goggles, also known as a VR headset, pack incredible computing power into a small computer and battery pack. This machine projects a 360-degree digital "reality" to be seen through the lenses of the headset.
When activated, the user is placed in a new setting. The headset detects head movement, allowing the user to be fully immersed in the experience. Simply move the head left or right to discover the surroundings! Not only is VR visually stimulating, but our VR headsets produce audio for more engaging and realistic experiences.
Since its invention in 1957, VR’s main function has been for entertainment, providing users with video and gaming experiences. However, since the 1990s, VR has been a new avenue for medical and military training as well as treatment for different mental illnesses through VR therapy. With hundreds of research conducted on VR’s mental health benefits, Viva Vita took the initiative to incorporate VR into care for seniors, making their lives more engaging. With Viva Vita’s VR headsets, we encourage seniors to Live Life!
Enriched Cognitive Stimulation
Brain stimulation is crucial to keeping the mind, body, and spirit healthy, especially for seniors in retirement communities. With the increasing number of individuals retiring each year, nursing homes are utilizing technology more and more to boost brain stimulation and better mental health.
After conducting a recent study on virtual reality, The US National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health reported that a combination of physical and cognitive activity can lead to an improvement in cognitive health in seniors. The study concluded that VR could be implemented for cognition enhancement in older adults, especially those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Heightened Quality of Life
With VR, seniors can uncover a new environment while remaining in the comfort of their home, avoiding any physical strain. Whether it's to take a walk on the beach or visit a favorite location, users have the opportunity to explore based on their personal preferences. Along with exploratory experiences, users also discover VR together, connecting multiple headsets to a single experience and increasing community and social interaction.
Engaging Physical Exercise
VR is also often used in the promotion of exercise among older adults. With a fun interactive environment, there are more incentives to exercise or participate in physical therapy. Learn more about VR for exercise here.
Immersive Reminiscence Therapy
One of the greatest aspects of VR is reflecting on the past. With the ability to travel anywhere in the world, users can visit familiar places or their favorite spot in nature. VR allows seniors to travel and generate positive feelings of nostalgia from the visits.
Improved Medical Outcomes
Documented through numerous medical studies, the medical community now knows that greater day-to-day quality of life, frequent physical exercise, increased opportunities for fellowship and socialization, and positive mental health practices all work to improve general medical outcomes for individuals at any age.
The power of virtual reality provides these opportunities for anyone and everyone to enjoy a healthier and happier life!