Virtual Reality’s Superpower: Engaging Older Adults

September 13, 2024

BY CAST

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As a recent webinar panelist, LeadingAge's Scott Code, VP of our Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST), shared insights on VR's promise and benefits for older adults: "Technology adoption is the key. If it's not being used, it's not meaningful."

Virtual reality (VR) holds the power to engage older adults and build community, while enabling staff to gain empathy for their patients' challenges. These are just a few benefits of VR highlighted in a recent webinar,Emerging Tech and the Future of Accessibility. The webinar, and a recent LeadingAge CAST case study, showcase multiple benefits that VR can bring.

Scott Code, CAST vice president, was a panelist on the Information Technology & Innovation Foundation (ITIF) webinar. He joined Alex Ambrose, ITIF policy analyst; Kai Fraser, CEO and founder of Kai XR; and Brian Switzer, program manager for Accessibility Technology, Training, and Research at The Carroll Center for the Blind.

Well over a decade ago, LeadingAge CAST Patron Selfhelp created its Virtual Senior Center with only a touchscreen computer and video chat capabilities. Yet the strength of relationships formed were mind blowing, Code said. Now, older adults have access to an even more enriching environment through VR. The ability to play games and do art together introduces a lot of possibilities, he said. Residents can also share their experiences after a VR session, building community. "It's remarkable what people can do when they're given the space to be curious with technology."

VR's benefits apply to aging services staff, as well. Consider training: VR can simulate the experience of an older person living with dementia or other chronic conditions, helping professional caregivers to better understand patients' needs and provide more compassionate care.

Staying Safe in the New Tech World

While VR and other new technologies carry a lot of promise, safety can be a concern. Code mentioned physical safety, such as moving around in groups or at home while wearing VR headsets, as well as emotional safety. Panelists highlighted the importance of guiding users to understand tech solutions' outcomes. Are users talking to a real person or a Chatbot, and is it safe to provide data? How should they present themselves in avatars and protect themselves in online communities? Are AI companions' voices confusing to people living with cognitive impairment?

Ultimately, accessibility is essential to gain technology's benefits. Connectivity and technology infrastructure are needed for true accessibility. Changes to policy, like making VR reimbursable under Medicare, and improving societal awareness of where to find assistive technology are key access issues that Code and other panelists discussed.

Adoption is a main factor as well. Involving all end users in technology design, and involving staff in choosing technology for their use, is crucial. This is especially true of VR and its large headsets, said Code. Finding technology champions to talk about how powerful a solution is, and older adult ambassadors who promote technology benefits to their peers, are the most effective ways to encourage people to use new solutions. "Technology adoption is the key," said Code. "If it's not being used, it's not meaningful."

For more learnings from this invaluable discussion, watch the full webinar.

CAST Case Study: VR Increases Quality of Life

The CAST case study, "Increasing Resident Engagement, Satisfaction, Social Networks, and Quality of Life Through VR Technology," shares even more learnings on the potential of VR.

Burcham Hills, a life plan community in East Lansing, MI, sought to alleviate its residents' loneliness and isolation after COVID-19. The team chose VR solutions from Rendever, a LeadingAge Corporate Partner that offers multiple VR programming options such as explore, passport, videos, activity guides, and applications. Now the entire community enjoys access to VR, complementing the Burcham Hills community approach to care and addressing social isolation across the entire campus.

The Rendever Community Engagement Team engages the Burcham Hills recreation staff in regular training and coaching, providing support and motivation. Rendever also holds regular calls to review data such as usage analytics and detailed reports on system usage. Monthly reports show the most popular experiences, opportunities to deliver new and exciting sessions, and updates on platform features.

Data suggests that Burcham Hill is one of the top-performing communities among Rendever's 500-plus North American partners.

The VR solution has enabled residents to meet and connect, build on those relationships, and foster a sense of community. Said Burcham Hills, "We have a more empowered staff, a more engaged community, and we are able to provide a better quality of life for our residents than ever before." To learn more, read the case study.