In the United Kingdom (UK), virtual reality (VR) technology is employed to tackle the problem of isolation and loneliness among elderly individuals. The collaborative initiative of Sheffield Hallam University, Age UK, and Pixelmill Digital brought the Planet WellBeing project to life, which aims to enhance the elderly's well-being.
Potential Benefits of VR Technology to the Elderly
The Planet WellBeing project endeavors to enhance the quality of life for individuals aged 60 and above by offering avenues such as games, music, and avatars, Daily Mirror reported. Social isolation poses a significant threat to over half of this age group, potentially leading to adverse effects on their mental and physical well-being.
The project envisions a future where VR technology, conceived with the assistance of pensioners participating in consultation sessions, will be introduced to the market, potentially even gaining recognition from medical professionals for prescription.
Participants in the project are currently testing existing VR that allow them to immerse themselves in activities like painting and simulated wall climbing while viewing graphics through their headsets.
The enthusiasm and delight experienced by the participants, such as 77-year-old Stephen Crane, underscore the potential benefits of this technology. Crane, a retired actor residing in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, expresses his excitement about the experience, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on his well-being.
Pixelmill Digital is actively incorporating valuable feedback as they advance the development of the VR product. With a funding timeline spanning 15 months, there is optimism that a functional and beneficial product will be ready for market introduction by the following summer.
The project team recognizes the importance of inclusivity, with a shared consensus on the necessity to accommodate users with varying mobility levels and cognitive abilities.
Teresa Barker, Age UK Sheffield's Chief Executive, explained to BBC the transformative potential of the Planet Wellbeing initiative in reshaping the approach to mental health and well-being for older individuals, as discussed with the BBC.
The scope of VR's application goes beyond addressing mental health concerns in the elderly, as it has also been suggested for more accessible rehabilitation tailored for frail seniors.
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Loneliness in Old Age
Statista shows that over a third of adults experience loneliness worldwide, and about 70% state that it has negatively affected their mental well-being. In Australia, 13% of individuals aged 65 and above experience loneliness, with those over 75 being particularly prone to this condition.
As per the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), loneliness and social isolation are serious public health concerns, especially for the elderly in the US. These conditions increase the risk of severe medical issues, including dementia.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report highlights that more than a third of adults aged 45 and above feel lonely, with about a quarter of those aged 65 and older being considered socially isolated. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable due to factors such as living alone, the loss of loved ones, chronic illnesses, and hearing loss.
Loneliness pertains to the sensation of being alone, regardless of social interactions, while social isolation refers to lacking social connections. Although social isolation can lead to loneliness in some cases, some individuals might experience loneliness without being socially isolated.
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