Could Virtual Reality Reduce Isolation for Older People?
Loneliness and isolation is a growing concern for older people. This also can pose some significant health risks.
As reported by the World Health Organization,
"A large body of research shows that social isolation and loneliness have a serious impact on older people’s longevity, their physical and mental health, and their quality of life. The effect of social isolation and loneliness on mortality has been compared to that of other well-established risk factors for mortality such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.".
With an aging population, the risk of loneliness is increasing. Some research discovered that approximately 50% of individuals aged over 60 are at risk of social isolation and one-third will experience some degree of loneliness later in life. So what can we do to minimize this situation?
This is where virtual reality may be able to help.
Seventeen seniors centers in the United States just completed a study with Stanford University and the use of virtual reality. In the study, seniors would spend short bursts of time in virtual reality. The results were quite astounding;
After using virtual reality, the seniors reported;
79.2% felt more positive
57.9% felt less isolated
83% said it was beneficial to their relationship with caregivers
It was found that it stimulated many aspects of their brain and provided experiences that the people could then discuss and share.
Personally, I think virtual reality has some amazing future potential for many aspects of our lives at any age. Especially once the goggles and set up become easy for anyone to do themselves.
It's great to know that virtual reality may also help to eliminate feelings of isolation and help older people to feel more positive. That is what we hope all technology is able to do. Make our lives better.
But like all technology, we have to remember this is still technology. It is not meant to replace human interactions and connections. So just like we shouldn't place our children in front of a television or online games all day, virtual reality is no different and we need to remember this for anyone at any age.
I am a strong supporter of virtual reality and the value it can bring - especially given the prevalence of isolation and loneliness that many older people may experience. I just hope that it doesn't become a replacement or an excuse for loved ones to feel they no longer need to visit and feel these virtual connections can now fill this gap.
As we socially isolated through the pandemic, we all learned first hand there is nothing in our human experience that can replace a hug or feeling someone's supportive physical presence with us. Hopefully it's a lesson that will stay will us as we embrace these new technologies.
Human contact should always reign supreme.
See more about this study in the following CBS News video clip;
