Social isolation is a significant issue among older Australians. Almost one in five older Australians and one-third of aged care residents are socially isolated. Various factors, including reduced physical health and mobility, make people prone to social isolation as they age. However, virtual reality is proving to be an innovative solution.

Virtual and augmented reality can help provide social and emotional enrichment for people living in aged care. However, this is just one of the benefits it can provide.

Thanks to the ABC , Garden Village, the Geelong Advertiser, and ARRIIA we explore how virtual reality is improving the lives of aged care residents.

Virtual reality offers elderly residents a unique sense of freedom, allowing them to ‘leave’ the confines of their care home and explore the world beyond.

Virtual reality technology offers a diverse range of simulated experiences for aged care residents. From exploring the sights of Paris to swimming with dolphins or going on an African safari, the possibilities are endless. For some, it’s a chance to relive cherished memories from their past.

Some facilities have embraced the communal aspect of virtual reality, providing multiple headsets that allow residents to share and participate in social activities together, fostering a sense of community.

However, virtual reality experiences are not just limited to headsets.

Brisbane man Che Turner has set up an air-conditioned van to take aged care residents on immersive virtual train trips. The van’s interior has been designed to represent the interior of a train carriage, while 50-inch monitors have been installed on either side of the seats to represent windows. The monitors play footage of different train journeys submitted by members of online train forums.
Virtual reality experiences can give residents a sense of anticipation and excitement normally achieved by going on a holiday. In addition, they can create a talking point in the nursing home.
Virtual reality experiences have the potential to stimulate the memories of older residents.

For instance, they may be reminded of past holidays they’ve enjoyed. This triggers pleasant memories and serves as a cognitive exercise, potentially improving their mental acuity and wellbeing.
In an interview with the ABC, Mr Che describes serving high tea on the van and initiating conversation with the residents.

“We generally start the conversation with, ‘When was your last holiday?’ and that’s a real conversation starter. From there, the conversation continues about different train journeys the participants have been on,” he said.

Reliving past experiences can help residents to improve their cognition and boost their mental and physical well-being. The benefits are particularly significant for those in the early stages of dementia.
That’s not to say incorporating virtual reality into aged care isn’t without its challenges.

For example, some aged care facilities do not have the technology required to operate virtual reality, such as Chromecast and Wi-Fi. In addition, budgets at aged care facilities are often tight. Many people may believe virtual reality technology is expensive.

However, virtual reality headsets are becoming relatively inexpensive and can set you back as little as $500.

While there are challenges involved, the benefits are significant, making incorporating virtual reality into aged care a worthwhile pursuit.

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