"Like many retirement communities, The Terraces serves as a tranquil refuge for a nucleus of older people who no longer can travel to faraway places or engage in bold adventures.But they can still be thrust back to their days of wanderlust and thrill-seeking whenever caretakers at the community in Los Gatos, California, schedule a date for residents - many of whom are in their 80s and 90s - to take turns donning virtual reality headsets.Within a matter of minutes, the headsets can transport them to Europe, immerse them in the ocean depths or send them soaring on breathtaking hang-gliding expeditions while they sit by each other."
"The selection of VR programming was curated by Rendever, a company that has turned a sometimes isolating form of technology into a catalyst for better cognition and social connections in 800 retirement communities in the United States and Canada."
"A group of The Terraces residents who participated in a VR session earlier this year found themselves paddling their arms alongside their chairs as they swam with a pod of dolphins while watching one of Rendever's 3D programs. "We got to go underwater and didn't even have to hold our breath!" exclaimed 81-year-old Ginny Baird following the virtual submersion."
Residents at The Terraces use virtual reality headsets to experience distant travel, underwater scenes, and hang-gliding while seated together. Rendever curates VR programs deployed in over 800 retirement communities across the United States and Canada. VR sessions prompt physical reactions and strong emotions, including gasps, shudders, and laughter. Programs enable virtual returns to childhood neighborhoods and can show residents hometowns they have not seen in decades. The VR experiences stimulate cognition and encourage social interaction among older adults. Caretakers schedule regular VR sessions that rekindle curiosity and shared adventure for seniors in their 80s and 90s.
Read at Fast Company
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