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Virtual Reality: A New Frontier in Enhancing Family Connections for Older Adults

Virtual Reality: A New Frontier in Enhancing Family Connections for Older Adults

Introduction

Virtual Reality (VR) is not just a tool for gaming or entertainment; it is rapidly becoming a vital instrument in enhancing the lives of older adults, especially those with cognitive impairments. The study titled "Testing the Feasibility of Virtual Reality With Older Adults With Cognitive Impairments and Their Family Members Who Live at a Distance" sheds light on the potential of VR to bridge the gap between older adults and their family members who live far away. This blog explores how practitioners can leverage these findings to improve outcomes for older adults in senior living communities.

The Power of VR in Enhancing Engagement

The study involved 21 residents from a senior living community and their family members, who engaged in VR sessions designed to enhance social connections. The results were promising, showing that VR was not only safe and easy to use but also highly satisfying for both residents with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild-to-moderate dementia.

Data-driven insights from the study revealed that residents were more conversationally and behaviorally engaged during VR sessions compared to traditional telephone calls. This was particularly evident in sessions that incorporated reminiscence therapy, where residents and their family members revisited past memories together. This suggests that VR can be a powerful tool in promoting engagement and maintaining family connections.

Implications for Practitioners

For practitioners working with older adults, the study highlights several key takeaways:

Encouraging Further Research

While the study provides a strong foundation, there is a need for further research to explore the long-term benefits of VR for older adults. Future studies could investigate the impact of VR on quality of life, depression, and anxiety levels among older adults and their family members. Additionally, exploring the use of VR in other therapeutic contexts could provide valuable insights into its broader applications.

Conclusion

Virtual Reality offers a promising avenue for enhancing family connections and engagement among older adults with cognitive impairments. By integrating VR into therapeutic practices, practitioners can create more meaningful and satisfying experiences for their clients. As the technology continues to evolve, it is essential for practitioners to stay informed and consider the potential benefits of VR in their work.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Testing the Feasibility of Virtual Reality With Older Adults With Cognitive Impairments and Their Family Members Who Live at a Distance.


Citation: Afifi, T., Collins, N. L., Rand, K., Fujiwara, K., Mazur, A., Otmar, C., Dunbar, N. E., Harrison, K., Logsdon, R., & Pak, R. (2021). Testing the feasibility of virtual reality with older adults with cognitive impairments and their family members who live at a distance. Innovation in Aging, 5(2), igab014. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igab014
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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