If you’ve been keeping up with the latest technological trends, you’re probably familiar with the concept of virtual reality (VR). Put simply, virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation that creates an artificial immersive environment. Through virtual reality, you can visit many places, from other countries to outer space. Although the experience is virtual, it feels real.

Generally, VR technology is seen as a fun and interactive activity for teenagers or video game enthusiasts. But did you know it can also be a useful tool in the senior living industry? From improved cognitive skills to reduced isolation, virtual reality for seniors offers many unique benefits that enrich their quality of life. And it can even improve health and well-being. Let’s take a closer look at how virtual reality is used and the benefits it brings.

How Virtual Reality Is Used in Senior Living Communities

More and more senior living facilities, including memory care, assisted living and retirement communities, are introducing VR technology into their homes. So, how exactly is this cutting-edge technology used? While the exact application varies depending on the home, it’s usually utilized for the following reasons:

• To increase entertainment
• To reduce loneliness
• To improve cognitive and physical health

VR can transport seniors to an artificial three-dimensional environment of their choice, essentially letting them travel across the world and beyond — without ever leaving their homes. Not only is this entertaining, but it can also improve mental well-being and reduce feelings of isolation. VR also offers unique physical and cognitive benefits that are especially useful for those with memory problems.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Virtual Reality

If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, you know how challenging memory issues can be. In addition to physical and cognitive decline, those with memory problems often experience negative emotions, such as frustration or sadness.

By letting memory care patients explore a different environment, VR can assist with many of these physical and mental challenges. For example, it can take residents for a walk through their hometowns, which helps stimulate memory and mobility. Here’s a more in-depth look at how virtual reality benefits seniors.

Eases Physical Pain

As adults age, problems like aches and chronic pain become more common. Virtual reality can help ease physical pain by providing a distraction. When seniors immerse themselves in a new atmosphere with stimulating sights and sounds, they’re less likely to focus on their pain.

VR is also a useful distraction during medical procedures. For example, say a senior is apprehensive about changing their bandages. Entering a virtual reality experience can distract their attention from that real-world pain, making procedures easier for both caregivers and patients.

Exercise

For many people, exercise feels like a chore. Even though we know it’s beneficial, it’s still difficult to convince ourselves to work out. Exercising regularly is even more difficult for seniors experiencing pain problems.

Virtual reality has revolutionized — and is continuing to revolutionize — the way people exercise. Instead of walking on a treadmill, you can walk up mountains or explore nature trails. Instead of stretching in a bare room, you can swing your limbs around to battle villains or monsters. Ultimately, VR creates an incentive to exercise by making it more interesting.

Improved Cognitive Health

Along with boosting physical well-being, VR can be used to improve cognitive health. Entering a virtual environment lets memory care patients use several sensory channels, such as sight, sound and touch. This sensory input has a direct, positive effect on cognitive function.

Another advantage of VR is that it’s more exciting than traditional learning environments. Rather than practice sensory stimulation in a room, seniors can travel to a unique virtual environment. Thus, seniors may also be more motivated to engage in cognitive exercises.

Promotes Social Engagement

Almost 25% of older adults residing in senior living communities reported feeling socially isolated. Even when surrounded by others, seniors may feel uncomfortable socializing or unsure of how to initiate conversations.

By providing a special, shared experience, virtual reality gives seniors a fun topic to discuss. Two seniors can choose to visit the same location, then talk about the experience and what they enjoyed. Not to mention, VR can be used to practice handling social situations. This helps boost confidence and encourages seniors to socialize more.

Strengthens Relationships

In addition to promoting social engagement, virtual reality for seniors can strengthen the quality of relationships. Due to physical or cognitive restrictions, older adults aren’t always able to travel and share real-world experiences with fellow residents. However, they can achieve these experiences virtually.

Through VR, seniors can enjoy anything from movie nights and sports games to concerts and dinners. Not only is this an exciting experience on its own, it also helps seniors bond with one another.

Visiting Familiar Places

As those with loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease know, memory stimulation is extremely important. Taking a senior back to a familiar place, such as their hometown or college campus, can help strengthen the memory. Of course, visiting these places isn’t always a possibility for aging adults.

VR can overcome the physical distance barrier by creating a virtual version of these familiar locations. Seniors can walk down the street they grew up on, explore their favorite travel spots and stay connected to their family’s community.

Cedar Creek Memory Care: High-Quality Dementia Care for Your Loved One

Whether used as an incentive to exercise or a way to reminisce, virtual reality for seniors offers many physical and mental benefits. Ideally, it should be paired with high-quality support and care.

Cedar Creek Memory Care is one of the best memory care facilities in Maryland. We provide an experienced, passionate team dedicated to helping patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as their families. Through a combination of innovative technology and hands-on health services, we can deliver some of the best dementia care in the Maryland area. Call us at (301) 384-4017 or reach out online to learn more.